Universal Immune Receptor Expressed by T Cells for the Targeting of Diverse and Multiple Antigens

ABSTRACT

The invention provides compositions and methods for adoptive T cell therapy in treating a variety of disorders including cancer, infections, and autoimmune disorders. In one embodiment, the invention provides a universal immune receptor (UnivIR) that comprises an extracellular label binding domain, a transmembrane domain, and a cytoplasmic domain or otherwise an intracellular domain.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 61/537,933, filed Sep. 22, 2011, the contents of which areincorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Adoptive cell transfer (ACT) therapy using bioengineered T cellscontinues to show significant promise in the treatment of cancer. Tothis end, investigators at academic and government centers have testedthe concept of chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) in advanced cancer. ACAR is a single unit immune receptor of fixed specificity generallycomprised of an extracellular antigen-specific antibody fragment coupledto intracellular T cell-signaling domains (Eshhar et al., 1993, Proc.Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 90:720-724). In recent trials, dramatic eradicationof refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia, where all tumor cellsexpress CD19, was achieved by CD19-specific CAR T cell therapy, whereall tumor cells express CD19 (Kochenderfer et al., 2010, Blood116:4099-4120; Porter et al., 2011, N. Engl. J. Med: 365:725-733).Despite these encouraging results, significant challenges still exist towidespread CAR application. For instance, other tumors are oftenheterogeneous in antigen expression, differing among individuals, butalso in the same patient. Additionally, cancer cells can lose antigenexpression by a process of immune-editing, contributing to tumor relapsefollowing initially-effective specific therapy. Targeting a singleantigen with CAR therapy may accordingly result in initial tumorregression, but ultimately select for the outgrowth of antigen-lossvariants. To facilitate broad clinical application of CARs, scientistshave proposed the establishment of a panel of bioengineered T cells withdifferent specificities, custom-made for each individual (Rosenberg etal., 2011, Mol. Ther. 19:1928-1930). Here, each new CAR must beindividually created, empirically-tested and produced underclinical-grade conditions; a process that is both technically andeconomically challenging. The creation of a standardized, distributableimmune receptor platform that can be easily tailored for specificantigen-targeting and is amenable to rapid preclinical screening andclinical application would markedly increase accessibility of ACTtherapy.

The development of CARs, which bestow T cells with the capacity torecognize cell surface antigens in an MHC unrestricted manner and toreceive T cell activation and costimulatory signals, allows for the denovo generation of T cells with potent anti-tumor activity for therapy(Eshhar et al., 1993, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 90:720-724). CARtherapy can lead to profound eradication of refractory chroniclymphocytic leukemia and advanced follicular lymphoma, where all tumorcells express, CD19, the target TAA (Kochenderfer et al., 2010, Blood116:4099-4120; Porter et al., 2011, N. Engl. J. Med: 365:725-733).However, human tumors are often heterogeneous in expression of cellsurface antigens, differing markedly not only among individuals but evenin the same patient. Further, tumor cells commonly lose cell surfaceantigen expression during malignant disease progression. Antigen loss isone major factor contributing to tumor relapse following specifictherapy that had been initially effective. Alternatively, targeting ofTAAs expressed at low levels on normal tissue cells can result inspecific toxicity, leading to the retirement of costly vectors. CARshaving fixed antigen specificity which are capable of targeting only oneTAA may therefore be limited in widespread, continued application asantigen loss variants and toxicity confronted by conventional CARtherapy are not easily addressed by improving binding affinity,cytolytic activity or survival of redirected T cells. Broad applicationand improved success of CARs in the clinic would necessitate a panel ofbioengineered T cells with different specificities, custom-made for eachindividual. Practically speaking, this approach is technically andeconomically challenging (Kohn et al., 2011, Mol. Ther. 19:432-438).

Adoptive immunotherapies composed of T cells engineered to express a CARoffer an attractive strategy for treatment of human cancer. However,CARs have a fixed antigen specificity such that only onetumor-associated antigen (TAA) can be targeted, limiting the efficacythat can be achieved due to heterogeneous TAA expression. For thisreason, a more generalized and effective application of CAR therapywould benefit from the capability to produce large panels of CARsagainst many known TAAs.

There is a need in the art for compositions and methods for universalimmune receptor (UnivIR) therapies targeting any antigen. The presentinvention addresses this unmet need in the art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an isolated nucleic acid sequenceencoding a universal immune receptor (UnivIR), wherein the UnivIRcomprises an extracellular label binding domain, a transmembrane domain,a T cell receptor signaling domain. Preferably, the label binding domainbinds to a labeled antigen.

In one embodiment, the label binding domain comprises a biotin bindingdomain and wherein the biotin binding domain binds to a biotinylatedantigen.

In one embodiment, the biotin binding domain comprises avidin, or abiotin binding fragment thereof.

In one embodiment, the antigen is selected from the group consisting ofa tumor antigen, a self-antigen, a viral antigen, and any combinationthereof.

In one embodiment, the UnivIR further comprises an intracellular domainof a costimulatory molecule.

In one embodiment, the intracellular domain of a costimulatory moleculeis selected from the group consisting of CD27, CD28, CD2, 4-1BB, OX40,CD30, CD40, PD-1, ICOS, lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1(LFA-1), CD7, LIGHT, NKG2C, B7-H3, a ligand that specifically binds withCD83, and any combination thereof.

In one embodiment, the label binding domain binds to a label selectedfrom the group consisting of myc-tag, FLAG-tag, His-tag, HA-tag,fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC), dinitrophenol, peridinin chlorophyllprotein complex, green fluorescent protein, biotin, phycoerythrin (PE),histidine, streptavidin, avidin, horse radish peroxidase,palmitoylation, nitrosylation, alkalanine phosphatase, glucose oxidase,Glutathione S-transferase (GST), and maltose binding protein.

In one embodiment, the label binding domain binds to a label, whereinthe label is selected from the group consisting of a peptide,oligonucleotide, small molecule, and ligand.

The invention also provides an isolated universal immune receptor(UnivIR) comprising an extracellular label binding domain, atransmembrane domain, a T cell receptor signaling domain, wherein thelabel binding domain binds to a labeled antigen.

The invention also provides a vector comprising a nucleic acid sequenceencoding a universal immune receptor (UnivIR), wherein the UnivIRcomprises an extracellular label binding domain, a transmembrane domain,a T cell receptor signaling domain, wherein the label binding domainbinds to a labeled antigen.

The invention also provides a cell comprising a nucleic acid sequence ofsequence encoding a universal immune receptor (UnivIR), wherein theUnivIR comprises an extracellular label binding domain, a transmembranedomain, a T cell receptor signaling domain, wherein the label bindingdomain binds to a labeled antigen.

In one embodiment, the is selected from the group consisting of a Tcell, a Natural Killer (NK) cell, a cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL), and aregulatory T cell.

In one embodiment, the cell is activated when the label binding domainbinds to its corresponding labeled antigen.

The invention provides a method for stimulating a UnivIR-mediated immuneresponse in a mammal. In one embodiment, the method comprisingadministering to a mammal an effective amount of a cell geneticallymodified to express a universal immune receptor (UnivIR), wherein theUnivIR comprises an extracellular label binding domain, a transmembranedomain, a T cell receptor signaling domain, wherein the label bindingdomain binds to a labeled antigen.

In one embodiment, distinct antigens are targeted sequentially orsimultaneously.

In one embodiment, the label binding domain comprises a biotin bindingdomain and wherein the biotin binding domain binds to a biotinylatedantigen.

In one embodiment, the biotin binding domain comprises avidin, or abiotin binding fragment thereof.

In one embodiment, the label binding domain binds to a labeled antigenselected from the group consisting of a tumor antigen, a self-antigen, aviral antigen, and any combination thereof.

In one embodiment, the cell is an autologous cell.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises administering an antigenbinding composition to the mammal, wherein the antigen bindingcomposition comprises a label.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following detailed description of preferred embodiments of theinvention will be better understood when read in conjunction with theappended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, thereare shown in the drawings embodiments which are presently preferred. Itshould be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to theprecise arrangements and instrumentalities of the embodiments shown inthe drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration depicting the universal immunereceptor platform. (Upper) Schematic of biotin binding immunoreceptor(BBIR) comprised of a dimeric form of chicken avidin protein fused tothe T cell signaling domains interacting with a biotinylated tumorassociated antigen (TAA) specific molecule. Biotinylatedantigen-specific molecules are either pre-targeted to antigen orco-administered with BBIR T cell to enable redirection of BBIRs againsta chosen antigen(s). (Lower) A schematic representation of in vitro andin vivo application of BBIR platform. (Left) BBIR platform allows forrapid in vitro screening of candidate targeting agents (scFvs, ligands,aptamers, etc.) for future application, e.g., UnivIR construction.(Middle) The BBIR-engineered T cell strategy for sequentially targetingantigens. If the antigen escapes and tumor recurrence occurs afterprimary antigen targeting, BBIR T cells can be consecutively redirectedagainst a different TAA by secondary administration of an antibody ofdistinct specificity. (Right) The BBIR platform allows for simultaneoustargeting multiple TAAs to efficiently attack tumors with highlyheterogeneous TAA expression

FIG. 2, comprising FIGS. 2A-2D, depicts the generation and specificimmune recognition by BBIR-transduced human T cells in vitro. FIG. 2A isa schematic representation depicting the avidin-based Immune Receptorgene constructs containing extracellular avidin as a monomer (mcAV) ordimer (dcAv) fused to the human CD3z cytosolic domain alone (BBIR-z) orin combination with the CD28 costimulatory module (BBIR-28z). FIG. 2B isa series of graphs depicting BBIR expression (open histograms) detectedvia GFP expression for mcAv constructs, or anti-avidin antibody for dcAVconstructs. Staining was done 5 days after transduction with lentivirusand compared with untransduced T cells (grey filled histograms). PercentBBIR transduction is indicated. FIG. 2C is a graph depicting howbiotin-redirected dcAV but not mcAV.BBIR T cells secrete IFNγ inresponse to plate-bound biotinylated, but not nonbiotinylated, antibody,or scFv (10 ng) in overnight culture. Concentration of IFNγ wasexpressed as mean±SEM in pg/mL from triplicate wells. FIG. 2D is a graphdepicting how dcAv.BBIR-z-and dcAv.BBIR-28z-transduced T cellsspecifically react against immobilized biotinylated-IgG1.Biotin-redirected dcAv.BBIR-z and dcAv.BBIR-28z T cells secrete IFNγ inresponse to plate-bound biotinylated antibody in overnight culture atthe lowest concentration of 1 ng per well. dcAv.BBIR-z, dcAv.BBIR-28z Tcells, or control GFP cells (10⁵ cells per well) were incubated withplate-immobilized antibody at a concentration range 0 to 100 ng perwell. Concentration of IFNγ is expressed in pg/mL (means±SEM; n=3).

FIG. 3, comprising FIGS. 3A-3D, depicts how BBIR⁺ T cells exhibitspecific effector functions. FIG. A is a graph depicting how BBIRsrespond against immobilized human mesothelin protein when redirectedwith biotinylated anti-mesothelin scFv or antibody (P4 Biobody andBio-K1 Ab, respectively). dcAv.BBIR-z, dcAv.BBIR-28z T cells, or controlGFP cells (10⁵ cells per well) were incubated with 10 ng ofplate-immobilized mesothelin and with either biotinylated or not,anti-mesothelin antibodies or scFvs (0.1 μg/mL). Overnight culturesupernatants were analyzed for human IFNγ cytokine by ELISA. Datarepresent the means±SD for 3 different experiments. FIG. 3B is a seriesof graphs depicting biotinylated specific molecules retention on theBBIR T-cell surface as assessed by flow cytometry. BBIR T cells wereincubated with 10 ng biotinylated reagents Biotin-APC or P4 Biobody(open histograms) and compared with untransduced control T cells (grey).FIG. 3C is a graph depicting how BBIRs exhibit effector functions in thepresence of free biotin at physiologic concentration. BBIR T cells wereincubated overnight with Bio-K1 Ab or P4 Biobody painted immobilizedmesothelin protein or only with plate-bound biotinylated Abs in thepresence of the indicated concentration of biotin. Concentration of IFNγis expressed as mean±SEM in pg/mL from triplicate wells. FIG. 3D is aseries of graphs depicting how BBIR T cells exhibit effector functionsagainst painted cell surface tumor antigens in the presence ofantigen-specific biotinylated antibodies. Left, BBIR T cells respondagainst painted EpCAM on A1847 cancer cell surface. dcAv.BBIR-28z⁺ orcontrol GFP T cells (105) were cultured with an equal number of humanA1847 unlabeled or labeled with biotinylated anti-EpCAM Ab (0 up to1,000 ng). After overnight incubation, cell-free supernatants wereanalyzed for human IFNγ by ELISA. Results depict the mean±SEM oftriplicate wells. Top right, detectable surface EpCAM expression (openhistograms) after labeling with different concentrations of biotinylatedEpCAM Ab was evaluated by flow cytometry. Bottom right, correlation ofdetectable Bio-EpCAM MFI on EpCAM⁺ tumors was plotted versus theproduction of IFNγ by BBIR-28z T cells when cocultured with labeledcancer cells.

FIG. 4, comprising FIGS. 4A-4B, depicts how BBIR⁺ T cells exhibiteffector functions against various painted cell surface tumor antigensin the presence of antigen-specific biotinylated antibodies. FIG. 4A isa series of graphs depicting how BBIR T cells exhibit effector functionsagainst multiple antigen specificities. BBIR or GFP-transduced T cellswere cultured overnight with an equal number of antigen-negative AE17,AE17/mesothelin⁺, AE17/Folate binding protein (FRa)⁺, or A1847 cancercells. Cell-free supernatant from 3 independent cultures was harvestedafter overnight incubation and IFNγ levels were measured by ELISA. MeanIFNγ concentration±SEM (pg/mL) is shown. FIG. 4B is a series of graphsdepicting how BBIR T cells can be redirected toward different antigenssequentially. BBIR T cells were cultured with GFP-transduced EpCAM⁺A1847 and AE17/FRa⁺ cell lines at a 1:1:1 ratio. After addition ofBio-EpCAM Ab to cultures for 10 hours, CD3-negative cells were analyzedby FACS to detect for the presence of GFP-transduced EpCAM⁺ A1847 cells.A second Bio-MOV18Ab (anti-FRa) was then added to culture for anadditional 10 hours, and FACS was repeated to measure for remainingCD3-negative, GFP-negative AE17/FRa⁺ cells. Left, histograms are shown.Right, results of tumor cell count analysis of pretreated cultures (pre)and after sequential Bio-EpCAM Ab and Bio-MOV18 Ab targeting of A1847and AE17/FRa⁺ cells, respectively.

FIG. 5, comprising FIGS. 5A-5C, depicts the activity of dcAv.BBIR-28zengineered T cells. FIG. A is a series of graphs depicting howdcAv.BBIR-28z⁺ T lymphocytes produce inflammatory cytokines in responseto painted A1847 tumor cells with biotinylated antibodies:anti-mesothelin (Bio-K1) and/or anti-EpCAM (Bio-EpCAM). BBIR T cellsproduced equal levels of (right) IFNγ and (left) Th1 cytokines inresponse to painted A1847 cells compared with conventionalanti-mesothelin P4-28z CAR⁺ T cells. Left, overnight culturesupernatants were analyzed for human IFNγ cytokine by ELISA.Concentration of IFNγ is expressed as mean±SEM in pg/mL from triplicatewells. Right, cytokine bead array analysis of cytokine production bydcAv.BBIR-28z⁺ T cells or P4-28z CAR⁺ T cells. Supernatants from 3independent cultures were pooled and assessed after 16 hours. FIG. 4B isa graph depicting the antigen-specific tumor killing by mesothelin orEpCAM-redirected BBIRs. FIG. 4C is a graph depicting theantigen-specific tumor killing by EpCAM-redirected BBIRs. Primary humanT cells transduced to express P4-28z CAR or dcAv.BBIR-28z werecocultured with Cr⁵¹-labeled A1847 cells with painted mesothelin(Bio-K1, FIG. 5A) or EpCAM (Bio-EpCAM, FIG. 5B) for 17 hours at theindicated effector-to-target (E:T) ratio. Percent specific target celllysis was calculated as (experimental−spontaneousrelease)−(maximal−spontaneous release)×100. Data represent the means±SDfor 3 different experiments. *, P≦0.005 comparing BBIR⁺/Bio-K1 andBBIR⁺/Bio-IgG1T cells. **, P≦0.005 comparing BBIR⁺ and P4 CAR⁺ T cellsand ***, P≦0.005 comparing BBIR⁺/Bio-EpCAM and BBIR⁺/Bio-IgG1 T cells.The difference between the cytotoxic activity was statisticallysignificant at given E:T ratio.

FIG. 6 is a graph depicting dcAv.BBIR-28z⁺ T cells control tumor growthin an ovarian cancer xenograft model. A total of 5×10⁶ A1847 tumor cellswere inoculated subcutaneously in the flank of NSG mice. To test thetherapeutic efficacy of BBIR⁺ T cells, mice bearing an established tumor(≧150 mm³) were inoculated IT with 6×10⁶ BBIR⁺ T cells and Bio-EpCAM Ab(100 ng) or BBIR⁺ T cells and Bio-IgG1 Ab (100 ng) on days 45, 48, and51. Additional antibody-only injections (100 ng) were given on days 56and 60. Tumor growth was then monitored as tumor diameter per day. Datarepresent the means±SD of 4 mice for each panel presented. P≦0.005comparing BBIR⁺/Bio-EpCAM and BBIR⁺/Bio-IgG1 group.

FIG. 7 depicts the CD28 co-stimulation protects against antigen-inducedcell death (upper panel). Annexin V and 7-AAD staining of T cells(untransduced, BBIR-z and BBIR-28z) following 72 h (grey bars) and 96 h(black bars) co-culture with A1847 at an E:T ratio 1:1, painted witheither Bio-IgG1 or Bio-EpCAM antibodies. Apoptosis was quantified as apercentages of apoptotic cells-Annexin V+ and 7AAD+ (means±SEM; n=3).The lower panel depicts Annexin V/7-AAD assay plots showing T cellsafter 96 h co-culture with A1847 cell line labeled with biotinylatedIgG1 (Bio-IgG1) (top panels) and biotinylated EpCAM specific (Bio-EpCAM)antybodies, at an E:T ratio of 1:1. One representative FACS analysis isshown (n=3).

FIG. 8 is a graph depicting how BBIR-z T cells loaded with biotinylatedmolecules and subsequently washed do not produce IFNγ in response tospecific antigen stimulation. Following 45 min incubation at 37° C. with1 μg/ml of mesothelin specific biotinylated antybodies; P4 Biobody or K1and control Bio-IgG1 antibody, BBIR-z T cells were washed with PBS andtested against plate-immobilized human mesothelin (10⁵ cells/10 ngmesothelin/well). After overnight incubation, culture supernatants wereanalyzed for human IFNγ cytokine by ELISA. Concentration of IFNγ isexpressed in pg/ml (means±SEM; n=3).

FIG. 9 is a series of graphs depicting Flow Cytometry analysis of anantigen surface expression on mouse AE17 cell lines transduced toexpress human FRα or mesothelin and human ovarian cancer cell line,A1847. FRα-specific mAb Mov18, EpCAM-specific and mesothelin-specific K1antibody and P4 Biobody were used to measure antigen expression on tumorcell lines (open empty histogram), compared to a matched isotype Abcontrol (filled gray histogram). Numbers within plots refer to specificmean fluorescent intensity (MFI).

FIG. 10 is an image demonstrating the digestion of mcAv constructs byrestriction endonucleases. Lower band represents a monomer chickenAvidin; upper band represents linearized vector pELNS or pCLPSrespectively. 500 ng of each vector was digested with BamH1 and NheIenzymes for 2 hrs at 37° C. Lanes 1-5 depict mcAv pCLPS, mcAv CD3ζ GFPpELNS, mcAv 28ζ GFP pELNS, mcAv 28ζ GFPpELNS, mcAv BBζ GFP pELNS,respectively.

FIG. 11 is an image demonstrating the transduction efficiency in T cellsafter lentiviral transfer of mcAV BBIR (pELNS GFP 2A vectors). BiotinBinding Immune Receptor expression was detected via GFP expression formcAv constructs, 5 days after transduction with lentivirus compared tountransduced T cells. Percentage of CAR transduction is indicated. Theresults demonstrate that primary human T cells can be efficientlytransduced to express mcAV BBIR (monomer) on their cell surface.

FIG. 12 is an image demonstrating that primary human T cells can beefficiently transduced to express dcAV BBIR (dimer) on their cellsurface. Biotin Binding Immune Receptor expression (open histograms) wasdetected via anti-avidin antibody for dcAV constructs staining 5 daysafter transduction with lentivirus compared to untransduced T cells(grey filled histograms). Percentage of CAR transduction is indicated.

FIG. 13 is an image demonstrating the reactivity of dcAv BBIR againstimmobilized antigen mesothelin painted with BioP4 Biobody. Primary humanT cells expressing BBIR-z, BBIR-28z and/or BBIR-BBz specifically reactagainst immobilized antigen human mesothelin painted with antimesothelin biotinylated BioP4 scFv, but not against mesothelin paintedwith non-biotinylated BioP4scFv. Incorporation of the CD28 or 41BBco-stimulatory modules into BBIR-28z and BBIR-BBz allows transduced Tcells to secrete more IFNγ than BBIR-z after specific stimulation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention relates to compositions and methods for adoptive T celltherapy in treating a variety of disorders including cancer, infections,and autoimmune disorders. The present invention relates to a strategy ofadoptive cell transfer of T cells modified to express a type of immunereceptor referred herein as universal immune receptor or UnivIR. Onetype of UnivIR of the invention is a biotin-binding immune receptor(BBIR). The UnivIR of the invention are molecules that combinespecificity for a desired antigen with a T cell receptor-activatingintracellular domain to generate a chimeric protein that exhibits aspecific immune activity. In one embodiment, the UnivIR of the inventioncomprises an extracellular label binding domain, a transmembrane domain,and a cytoplasmic domain or otherwise an intracellular domain.

The present invention provides a UnivIR strategy through theincorporation of a label binding domain into the extracellular domain ofthe UnivIR. The label binding domain targets the UnivIR to any antigenwhich is labeled with a known label. In one embodiment, the antigen islabeled with biotin, and thus the UnivIR comprises an extracellulardomain comprising a biotin binding domain.

In one embodiment, the biotin binding domain comprising UnivIR isreferred to as a biotin binding immune receptor (BBIR). The use ofUnivIRs (e.g., BBIRs) and so modified T cells provides a flexible systemto target any antigen. In one embodiment, the antigen of interest isbiotinylated by administration of an antigen binding composition whichcontains a biotin moiety. For example, in one embodiment, the antigen isbiotinylated by the binding of biotin labeled antibody, or fragmentthereof, to the antigen. Redirection of BBIR T cells against an antigenis dependent upon intermediate interaction with bound biotinylatedantigen-binding molecules. However, the invention is not limited to anantigen that is biotinylated. Rather, the invention encompasses anytargeting agent that is biotinylated, including but is not limited to anantibody (e.g., scFv), an oligonucleotide, an aptamer, a receptor, aligand, and the like.

In one embodiment, the UnivIR platform allows T cells to generate animmune response against a desired antigen either simultaneously orsequentially. The flexibility in antigen-specificity afforded by UnivIRallows for sequential redirection from one antigen to another antigen ofdistinct specificity. For example, UnivIRs can be redirected from firsttargeting and eliminating a subset of tumor cells expressing a firstantigen to additionally targeting and killing residual tumor cellsexpressing a second antigen, which had survived the first wave oftargeting against the first antigen.

In one embodiment, the invention relates to genetically modified T cellsexpressing a UnivIR for the treatment of a patient with cancer. Thepresent invention is based upon the finding that the inclusion of thelabel binding domain within the extracellular domain of a BBIR providesa flexible immunotherapy system that induces antigen specific immuneresponses. In one embodiment, the UnivIR comprising the label bindingdomain induces anti-tumor activity. In one embodiment, the UnivIRcomprising the label binding domain allows sequential antigen targeting.In one embodiment, UnivIR comprising the label binding domain allowssimultaneous antigen targeting of multiple antigens. The UnivIR of theinvention provides targeting of any antigen associated with any disease,disorder, or condition. In one embodiment, the antigen is a tumorassociated antigen (TAA). In another embodiment, the antigen is a viralantigen. In another embodiment, the antigen is a self-antigen. As such,the present invention includes methods of treating a wide variety ofdiseases, disorders, and conditions including, but not limited to,cancer, chronic infection, and autoimmune disorders.

DEFINITIONS

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art to which the invention pertains. Although any methods andmaterials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used inthe practice for testing of the present invention, the preferredmaterials and methods are described herein. In describing and claimingthe present invention, the following terminology will be used.

It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for thepurpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intendedto be limiting.

The articles “a” and “an” are used herein to refer to one or to morethan one (i.e., to at least one) of the grammatical object of thearticle. By way of example, “an element” means one element or more thanone element.

“About” as used herein when referring to a measurable value such as anamount, a temporal duration, and the like, is meant to encompassvariations of ±20% or ±10%, more preferably ±5%, even more preferably±1%, and still more preferably ±0.1% from the specified value, as suchvariations are appropriate to perform the disclosed methods.

“Activation”, as used herein, refers to the state of a T cell that hasbeen sufficiently stimulated to induce detectable cellularproliferation. Activation can also be associated with induced cytokineproduction, and detectable effector functions. The term “activated Tcells” refers to, among other things, T cells that are undergoing celldivision.

The term “antibody,” as used herein, refers to an immunoglobulinmolecule which specifically binds with an antigen. Antibodies can beintact immunoglobulins derived from natural sources or from recombinantsources and can be immunoreactive portions of intact immunoglobulins.Antibodies are typically tetramers of immunoglobulin molecules. Theantibodies in the present invention may exist in a variety of formsincluding, for example, polyclonal antibodies, monoclonal antibodies,Fv, Fab and F(ab)₂, as well as single chain antibodies and humanizedantibodies (Harlow et al., 1999, In: Using Antibodies: A LaboratoryManual, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, NY; Harlow et al., 1989,In: Antibodies: A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y.; Houstonet al., 1988, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 85:5879-5883; Bird et al.,1988, Science 242:423-426).

The term “antibody fragment” refers to a portion of an intact antibodyand refers to the antigenic determining variable regions of an intactantibody. Examples of antibody fragments include, but are not limitedto, Fab, Fab′, F(ab′)2, and Fv fragments, linear antibodies, scFvantibodies, and multispecific antibodies formed from antibody fragments.

An “antibody heavy chain,” as used herein, refers to the larger of thetwo types of polypeptide chains present in all antibody molecules intheir naturally occurring conformations.

An “antibody light chain,” as used herein, refers to the smaller of thetwo types of polypeptide chains present in all antibody molecules intheir naturally occurring conformations. κ and λ light chains refer tothe two major antibody light chain isotypes.

By the term “synthetic antibody” as used herein, is meant an antibodywhich is generated using recombinant DNA technology, such as, forexample, an antibody expressed by a bacteriophage as described herein.The term should also be construed to mean an antibody which has beengenerated by the synthesis of a DNA molecule encoding the antibody andwhich DNA molecule expresses an antibody protein, or an amino acidsequence specifying the antibody, wherein the DNA or amino acid sequencehas been obtained using synthetic DNA or amino acid sequence technologywhich is available and well known in the art.

The term “antigen” or “Ag” as used herein is defined as a molecule thatprovokes an immune response. This immune response may involve eitherantibody production, or the activation of specificimmunologically-competent cells, or both. The skilled artisan willunderstand that any macromolecule, including virtually all proteins orpeptides, can serve as an antigen. Furthermore, antigens can be derivedfrom recombinant or genomic DNA. A skilled artisan will understand thatany DNA, which comprises a nucleotide sequences or a partial nucleotidesequence encoding a protein that elicits an immune response thereforeencodes an “antigen” as that term is used herein. Furthermore, oneskilled in the art will understand that an antigen need not be encodedsolely by a full length nucleotide sequence of a gene. It is readilyapparent that the present invention includes, but is not limited to, theuse of partial nucleotide sequences of more than one gene and that thesenucleotide sequences are arranged in various combinations to elicit thedesired immune response. Moreover, a skilled artisan will understandthat an antigen need not be encoded by a “gene” at all. It is readilyapparent that an antigen can be generated synthesized or can be derivedfrom a biological sample. Such a biological sample can include, but isnot limited to a tissue sample, a tumor sample, a cell or a biologicalfluid.

The term “anti-tumor effect” as used herein, refers to a biologicaleffect which can be manifested by a decrease in tumor volume, a decreasein the number of tumor cells, a decrease in the number of metastases, anincrease in life expectancy, or amelioration of various physiologicalsymptoms associated with the cancerous condition. An “anti-tumor effect”can also be manifested by the ability of the peptides, polynucleotides,cells and antibodies of the invention in prevention of the occurrence oftumor in the first place.

The term “auto-antigen” means, in accordance with the present invention,any self-antigen which is mistakenly recognized by the immune system asbeing foreign. Auto-antigens comprise, but are not limited to, cellularproteins, phosphoproteins, cellular surface proteins, cellular lipids,nucleic acids, glycoproteins, including cell surface receptors.

The term “autoimmune disease” as used herein is defined as a disorderthat results from an autoimmune response. An autoimmune disease is theresult of an inappropriate and excessive response to a self-antigen.Examples of autoimmune diseases include but are not limited to,Addision's disease, alopecia greata, ankylosing spondylitis, autoimmunehepatitis, autoimmune parotitis, Crohn's disease, diabetes (Type I),dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, epididymitis, glomerulonephritis,Graves' disease, Guillain-Barr syndrome, Hashimoto's disease, hemolyticanemia, systemic lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis, myastheniagravis, pemphigus vulgaris, psoriasis, rheumatic fever, rheumatoidarthritis, sarcoidosis, scleroderma, Sjogren's syndrome,spondyloarthropathies, thyroiditis, vasculitis, vitiligo, myxedema,pernicious anemia, ulcerative colitis, among others.

As used herein, the term “autologous” is meant to refer to any materialderived from the same individual to which it is later to bere-introduced into the individual.

“Allogeneic” refers to a graft derived from a different animal of thesame species.

“Xenogeneic” refers to a graft derived from an animal of a differentspecies.

The term “cancer” as used herein is defined as disease characterized bythe rapid and uncontrolled growth of aberrant cells. Cancer cells canspread locally or through the bloodstream and lymphatic system to otherparts of the body. Examples of various cancers include but are notlimited to, breast cancer, prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, cervicalcancer, skin cancer, pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer, renal cancer,liver cancer, brain cancer, lymphoma, leukemia, lung cancer and thelike.

“Co-stimulatory ligand,” as the term is used herein, includes a moleculeon an antigen presenting cell (e.g., an aAPC, dendritic cell, B cell,and the like) that specifically binds a cognate co-stimulatory moleculeon a T cell, thereby providing a signal which, in addition to theprimary signal provided by, for instance, binding of a TCR/CD3 complexwith an MHC molecule loaded with peptide, mediates a T cell response,including, but not limited to, proliferation, activation,differentiation, and the like. A co-stimulatory ligand can include, butis not limited to, CD7, B7-1 (CD80), B7-2 (CD86), PD-L1, PD-L2, 4-1BBL,OX40L, inducible costimulatory ligand (ICOS-L), intercellular adhesionmolecule (ICAM), CD30L, CD40, CD70, CD83, HLA-G, MICA, MICB, HVEM,lymphotoxin beta receptor, 3/TR6, ILT3, ILT4, HVEM, an agonist orantibody that binds Toll ligand receptor and a ligand that specificallybinds with B7-H3. A co-stimulatory ligand also encompasses, inter alia,an antibody that specifically binds with a co-stimulatory moleculepresent on a T cell, such as, but not limited to, CD27, CD28, 4-1BB,OX40, CD30, CD40, PD-1, ICOS, lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1(LFA-1), CD2, CD7, LIGHT, NKG2C, B7-H3, and a ligand that specificallybinds with CD83.

A “co-stimulatory molecule” refers to the cognate binding partner on a Tcell that specifically binds with a co-stimulatory ligand, therebymediating a co-stimulatory response by the T cell, such as, but notlimited to, proliferation. Co-stimulatory molecules include, but are notlimited to an MHC class 1 molecule, BTLA and a Toll ligand receptor.

A “co-stimulatory signal”, as used herein, refers to a signal, which incombination with a primary signal, such as TCR/CD3 ligation, leads to Tcell proliferation and/or upregulation or downregulation of keymolecules.

A “disease” is a state of health of an animal wherein the animal cannotmaintain homeostasis, and wherein if the disease is not ameliorated thenthe animal's health continues to deteriorate. In contrast, a “disorder”in an animal is a state of health in which the animal is able tomaintain homeostasis, but in which the animal's state of health is lessfavorable than it would be in the absence of the disorder. Leftuntreated, a disorder does not necessarily cause a further decrease inthe animal's state of health.

An “effective amount” as used herein, means an amount which provides atherapeutic or prophylactic benefit.

“Encoding” refers to the inherent property of specific sequences ofnucleotides in a polynucleotide, such as a gene, a cDNA, or an mRNA, toserve as templates for synthesis of other polymers and macromolecules inbiological processes having either a defined sequence of nucleotides(i.e., rRNA, tRNA and mRNA) or a defined sequence of amino acids and thebiological properties resulting therefrom. Thus, a gene encodes aprotein if transcription and translation of mRNA corresponding to thatgene produces the protein in a cell or other biological system. Both thecoding strand, the nucleotide sequence of which is identical to the mRNAsequence and is usually provided in sequence listings, and thenon-coding strand, used as the template for transcription of a gene orcDNA, can be referred to as encoding the protein or other product ofthat gene or cDNA.

As used herein “endogenous” refers to any material from or producedinside an organism, cell, tissue or system.

As used herein, the term “exogenous” refers to any material introducedfrom or produced outside an organism, cell, tissue or system.

The term “expression” as used herein is defined as the transcriptionand/or translation of a particular nucleotide sequence driven by itspromoter.

“Expression vector” refers to a vector comprising a recombinantpolynucleotide comprising expression control sequences operativelylinked to a nucleotide sequence to be expressed. An expression vectorcomprises sufficient cis-acting elements for expression; other elementsfor expression can be supplied by the host cell or in an in vitroexpression system. Expression vectors include all those known in theart, such as cosmids, plasmids (e.g., naked or contained in liposomes)and viruses (e.g., lentiviruses, retroviruses, adenoviruses, andadeno-associated viruses) that incorporate the recombinantpolynucleotide.

“Homologous” refers to the sequence similarity or sequence identitybetween two polypeptides or between two nucleic acid molecules. When aposition in both of the two compared sequences is occupied by the samebase or amino acid monomer subunit, e.g., if a position in each of twoDNA molecules is occupied by adenine, then the molecules are homologousat that position. The percent of homology between two sequences is afunction of the number of matching or homologous positions shared by thetwo sequences divided by the number of positions compared X 100. Forexample, if 6 of 10 of the positions in two sequences are matched orhomologous then the two sequences are 60% homologous. By way of example,the DNA sequences ATTGCC and TATGGC share 50% homology. Generally, acomparison is made when two sequences are aligned to give maximumhomology.

The term “immunoglobulin” or “Ig,” as used herein is defined as a classof proteins, which function as antibodies. Antibodies expressed by Bcells are sometimes referred to as the BCR (B cell receptor) or antigenreceptor. The five members included in this class of proteins are IgA,IgG, IgM, IgD, and IgE. IgA is the primary antibody that is present inbody secretions, such as saliva, tears, breast milk, gastrointestinalsecretions and mucus secretions of the respiratory and genitourinarytracts. IgG is the most common circulating antibody. IgM is the mainimmunoglobulin produced in the primary immune response in most subjects.It is the most efficient immunoglobulin in agglutination, complementfixation, and other antibody responses, and is important in defenseagainst bacteria and viruses. IgD is the immunoglobulin that has noknown antibody function, but may serve as an antigen receptor. IgE isthe immunoglobulin that mediates immediate hypersensitivity by causingrelease of mediators from mast cells and basophils upon exposure toallergen.

As used herein, an “instructional material” includes a publication, arecording, a diagram, or any other medium of expression which can beused to communicate the usefulness of the compositions and methods ofthe invention. The instructional material of the kit of the inventionmay, for example, be affixed to a container which contains the nucleicacid, peptide, and/or composition of the invention or be shippedtogether with a container which contains the nucleic acid, peptide,and/or composition. Alternatively, the instructional material may beshipped separately from the container with the intention that theinstructional material and the compound be used cooperatively by therecipient.

“Isolated” means altered or removed from the natural state. For example,a nucleic acid or a peptide naturally present in a living animal is not“isolated,” but the same nucleic acid or peptide partially or completelyseparated from the coexisting materials of its natural state is“isolated.” An isolated nucleic acid or protein can exist insubstantially purified form, or can exist in a non-native environmentsuch as, for example, a host cell.

In the context of the present invention, the following abbreviations forthe commonly occurring nucleic acid bases are used. “A” refers toadenosine, “C” refers to cytosine, “G” refers to guanosine, “T” refersto thymidine, and “U” refers to uridine.

Unless otherwise specified, a “nucleotide sequence encoding an aminoacid sequence” includes all nucleotide sequences that are degenerateversions of each other and that encode the same amino acid sequence. Thephrase nucleotide sequence that encodes a protein or an RNA may alsoinclude introns to the extent that the nucleotide sequence encoding theprotein may in some version contain an intron(s).

A “lentivirus” as used herein refers to a genus of the Retroviridaefamily. Lentiviruses are unique among the retroviruses in being able toinfect non-dividing cells; they can deliver a significant amount ofgenetic information into the DNA of the host cell, so they are one ofthe most efficient methods of a gene delivery vector. HIV, SIV, and FIVare all examples of lentiviruses. Vectors derived from lentivirusesoffer the means to achieve significant levels of gene transfer in vivo.

By the term “modulating,” as used herein, is meant mediating adetectable increase or decrease in the level of a response in a subjectcompared with the level of a response in the subject in the absence of atreatment or compound, and/or compared with the level of a response inan otherwise identical but untreated subject. The term encompassesperturbing and/or affecting a native signal or response therebymediating a beneficial therapeutic response in a subject, preferably, ahuman.

Unless otherwise specified, a “nucleotide sequence encoding an aminoacid sequence” includes all nucleotide sequences that are degenerateversions of each other and that encode the same amino acid sequence.Nucleotide sequences that encode proteins and RNA may include introns.

The term “operably linked” refers to functional linkage between aregulatory sequence and a heterologous nucleic acid sequence resultingin expression of the latter. For example, a first nucleic acid sequenceis operably linked with a second nucleic acid sequence when the firstnucleic acid sequence is placed in a functional relationship with thesecond nucleic acid sequence. For instance, a promoter is operablylinked to a coding sequence if the promoter affects the transcription orexpression of the coding sequence. Generally, operably linked DNAsequences are contiguous and, where necessary to join two protein codingregions, in the same reading frame.

The term “overexpressed” tumor antigen or “overexpression” of the tumorantigen is intended to indicate an abnormal level of expression of thetumor antigen in a cell from a disease area like a solid tumor within aspecific tissue or organ of the patient relative to the level ofexpression in a normal cell from that tissue or organ. Patients havingsolid tumors or a hematological malignancy characterized byoverexpression of the tumor antigen can be determined by standard assaysknown in the art.

“Parenteral” administration of an immunogenic composition includes,e.g., subcutaneous (s.c.), intravenous (i.v.), intramuscular (i.m.), orintrasternal injection, or infusion techniques.

The terms “patient,” “subject,” “individual,” and the like are usedinterchangeably herein, and refer to any animal, or cells thereofwhether in vitro or in situ, amenable to the methods described herein.In certain non-limiting embodiments, the patient, subject or individualis a human.

The term “polynucleotide” as used herein is defined as a chain ofnucleotides. Furthermore, nucleic acids are polymers of nucleotides.Thus, nucleic acids and polynucleotides as used herein areinterchangeable. One skilled in the art has the general knowledge thatnucleic acids are polynucleotides, which can be hydrolyzed into themonomeric “nucleotides.” The monomeric nucleotides can be hydrolyzedinto nucleosides. As used herein polynucleotides include, but are notlimited to, all nucleic acid sequences which are obtained by any meansavailable in the art, including, without limitation, recombinant means,i.e., the cloning of nucleic acid sequences from a recombinant libraryor a cell genome, using ordinary cloning technology and PCR™, and thelike, and by synthetic means.

As used herein, the terms “peptide,” “polypeptide,” and “protein” areused interchangeably, and refer to a compound comprised of amino acidresidues covalently linked by peptide bonds. A protein or peptide mustcontain at least two amino acids, and no limitation is placed on themaximum number of amino acids that can comprise a protein's or peptide'ssequence. Polypeptides include any peptide or protein comprising two ormore amino acids joined to each other by peptide bonds. As used herein,the term refers to both short chains, which also commonly are referredto in the art as peptides, oligopeptides and oligomers, for example, andto longer chains, which generally are referred to in the art asproteins, of which there are many types. “Polypeptides” include, forexample, biologically active fragments, substantially homologouspolypeptides, oligopeptides, homodimers, heterodimers, variants ofpolypeptides, modified polypeptides, derivatives, analogs, fusionproteins, among others. The polypeptides include natural peptides,recombinant peptides, synthetic peptides, or a combination thereof.

The term “promoter” as used herein is defined as a DNA sequencerecognized by the synthetic machinery of the cell, or introducedsynthetic machinery, required to initiate the specific transcription ofa polynucleotide sequence.

As used herein, the term “promoter/regulatory sequence” means a nucleicacid sequence which is required for expression of a gene productoperably linked to the promoter/regulatory sequence. In some instances,this sequence may be the core promoter sequence and in other instances,this sequence may also include an enhancer sequence and other regulatoryelements which are required for expression of the gene product. Thepromoter/regulatory sequence may, for example, be one which expressesthe gene product in a tissue specific manner.

A “constitutive” promoter is a nucleotide sequence which, when operablylinked with a polynucleotide which encodes or specifies a gene product,causes the gene product to be produced in a cell under most or allphysiological conditions of the cell.

An “inducible” promoter is a nucleotide sequence which, when operablylinked with a polynucleotide which encodes or specifies a gene product,causes the gene product to be produced in a cell substantially only whenan inducer which corresponds to the promoter is present in the cell.

A “tissue-specific” promoter is a nucleotide sequence which, whenoperably linked with a polynucleotide encodes or specified by a gene,causes the gene product to be produced in a cell substantially only ifthe cell is a cell of the tissue type corresponding to the promoter.

By the term “specifically binds,” as used herein with respect to anantibody, is meant an antibody which recognizes a specific antigen, butdoes not substantially recognize or bind other molecules in a sample.For example, an antibody that specifically binds to an antigen from onespecies may also bind to that antigen from one or more species. But,such cross-species reactivity does not itself alter the classificationof an antibody as specific. In another example, an antibody thatspecifically binds to an antigen may also bind to different allelicforms of the antigen. However, such cross reactivity does not itselfalter the classification of an antibody as specific. In some instances,the terms “specific binding” or “specifically binding,” can be used inreference to the interaction of an antibody, a protein, or a peptidewith a second chemical species, to mean that the interaction isdependent upon the presence of a particular structure (e.g., anantigenic determinant or epitope) on the chemical species; for example,an antibody recognizes and binds to a specific protein structure ratherthan to proteins generally. If an antibody is specific for epitope “A”,the presence of a molecule containing epitope A (or free, unlabeled A),in a reaction containing labeled “A” and the antibody, will reduce theamount of labeled A bound to the antibody.

By the term “stimulation,” is meant a primary response induced bybinding of a stimulatory molecule (e.g., a TCR/CD3 complex) with itscognate ligand thereby mediating a signal transduction event, such as,but not limited to, signal transduction via the TCR/CD3 complex.Stimulation can mediate altered expression of certain molecules, such asdownregulation of TGF-β, and/or reorganization of cytoskeletalstructures, and the like.

A “stimulatory molecule,” as the term is used herein, means a moleculeon a T cell that specifically binds with a cognate stimulatory ligandpresent on an antigen presenting cell.

A “stimulatory ligand,” as used herein, means a ligand that when presenton an antigen presenting cell (e.g., an aAPC, a dendritic cell, aB-cell, and the like) can specifically bind with a cognate bindingpartner (referred to herein as a “stimulatory molecule”) on a T cell,thereby mediating a primary response by the T cell, including, but notlimited to, activation, initiation of an immune response, proliferation,and the like. Stimulatory ligands are well-known in the art andencompass, inter alia, an MHC Class I molecule loaded with a peptide, ananti-CD3 antibody, a superagonist anti-CD28 antibody, and a superagonistanti-CD2 antibody.

As used herein, a “substantially purified” cell is a cell that isessentially free of other cell types. A substantially purified cell alsorefers to a cell which has been separated from other cell types withwhich it is normally associated in its naturally occurring state. Insome instances, a population of substantially purified cells refers to ahomogenous population of cells. In other instances, this term referssimply to cell that have been separated from the cells with which theyare naturally associated in their natural state. In some embodiments,the cells are cultured in vitro. In other embodiments, the cells are notcultured in vitro.

The term “therapeutic” as used herein means a treatment and/orprophylaxis. A therapeutic effect is obtained by suppression, remission,or eradication of a disease state.

The term “therapeutically effective amount” refers to the amount of thesubject compound that will elicit the biological or medical response ofa tissue, system, or subject that is being sought by the researcher,veterinarian, medical doctor or other clinician. The term“therapeutically effective amount” includes that amount of a compoundthat, when administered, is sufficient to prevent development of, oralleviate to some extent, one or more of the signs or symptoms of thedisorder or disease being treated. The therapeutically effective amountwill vary depending on the compound, the disease and its severity andthe age, weight, etc., of the subject to be treated.

To “treat” a disease as the term is used herein, means to reduce thefrequency or severity of at least one sign or symptom of a disease ordisorder experienced by a subject.

The term “transfected” or “transformed” or “transduced” as used hereinrefers to a process by which exogenous nucleic acid is transferred orintroduced into the host cell. A “transfected” or “transformed” or“transduced” cell is one which has been transfected, transformed ortransduced with exogenous nucleic acid. The cell includes the primarysubject cell and its progeny.

The phrase “under transcriptional control” or “operatively linked” asused herein means that the promoter is in the correct location andorientation in relation to a polynucleotide to control the initiation oftranscription by RNA polymerase and expression of the polynucleotide.

A “vector” is a composition of matter which comprises an isolatednucleic acid and which can be used to deliver the isolated nucleic acidto the interior of a cell. Numerous vectors are known in the artincluding, but not limited to, linear polynucleotides, polynucleotidesassociated with ionic or amphiphilic compounds, plasmids, and viruses.Thus, the term “vector” includes an autonomously replicating plasmid ora virus. The term should also be construed to include non-plasmid andnon-viral compounds which facilitate transfer of nucleic acid intocells, such as, for example, polylysine compounds, liposomes, and thelike. Examples of viral vectors include, but are not limited to,adenoviral vectors, adeno-associated virus vectors, retroviral vectors,and the like.

Ranges: throughout this disclosure, various aspects of the invention canbe presented in a range format. It should be understood that thedescription in range format is merely for convenience and brevity andshould not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of theinvention. Accordingly, the description of a range should be consideredto have specifically disclosed all the possible subranges as well asindividual numerical values within that range. For example, descriptionof a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to have specificallydisclosed subranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6 etc., as well as individual numberswithin that range, for example, 1, 2, 2.7, 3, 4, 5, 5.3, and 6. Thisapplies regardless of the breadth of the range.

DESCRIPTION

Current gene-engineered cellular therapy is restricted in antigenspecificity, patient accessibility, and tumor or cell type. The presentinvention relates to an innovative technological strategy thatincorporates TCR and co-stimulatory signals and allows singletransfected T-cells to have near infinite antigen specificities. Forthis purpose, T cells have been equipped with a universal immunereceptor redirected against biotinylated antigen-specific molecules(Biotin Binding Immune Receptor; BBIR), including; monoclonalantibodies, scFvs or other tumor specific ligands. This pioneeringstrategy allows for the first time flexibility in T cell targetedantigen-specificity.

The present invention provides compositions and methods for treatingdiseases or disorders associated with expression of an antigen,including but is not limited to viral antigens, self-antigens, and thelike. In one embodiment, the invention provides compositions and methodsfor treating cancer, as well as other diseases. The cancer may be ahematological malignancy, a solid tumor, a primary or a metastasizingtumor. Other diseases treatable using the compositions and methods ofthe invention include viral, bacterial and parasitic infections as wellas autoimmune diseases.

In one embodiment, the invention provides a cell (e.g., T cell)engineered to express a UnivIR. In one embodiment, the UnivIR of theinvention is engineered to comprise an extracellular label bindingdomain linked to an intracellular T cell signaling domain. Preferably,the UnivIR comprises an extracellular-modified avidin linked to anintracellular T cell signaling domain (referred herein as BBIR;biotin-binding immune receptor). This is because the present inventionis based on the discovery that incorporation of a label binding domainprovides a flexible and universal strategy for antigen targeting thatretains antigen-specific immune responses.

In one embodiment, the label is biotin, and the BBIR comprises a biotinbinding domain. In one embodiment, the biotin binding domain comprisesavidin. In one embodiment, the BBIR of the invention is targeted to anybiotinylated antigen. In one embodiment, antigens are biotinylated bythe binding of a biotin-labeled antigen binding composition to theantigen.

However, the present invention is not limited to biotin labels. Ratherthe invention relates to the use of any known set of binding partnerswhich directs a UnivIR to a labeled antigen. For example, the antigen islabeled with one binding partner, while the UnivIR comprises anextracellular domain comprising the other binding partner. A skilledartisan is aware of such sets of binding partners that could beexploited for use in the present invention. Non-limiting examples ofother labels include GST, myc-tag, FLAG-tag, His-tag, and HA-tag. Theinvention further encompasses the use of known protein-proteininteractions, complementary oligonucleotides, and receptor-ligandinteractions.

In some embodiments, the present invention is directed to a retroviralor lentiviral vector encoding a UnivIR that is stably integrated into aT cell and stably expressed therein. In other embodiments, the presentinvention is directed to an RNA encoding UnivIR that is transfected intoa T cell and transiently expressed therein. Transient, non-integratingexpression of UnivIR in a cell mitigates concerns associated withpermanent and integrated expression of UnivIR in a cell.

The UnivIR platform of the invention represents a “universal immunereceptor” approach for the targeting of gene-modified T cells to diverseand multiple antigens via interaction with antigen-bound labeled (e.g.,biotinylated) molecules, either simultaneously or sequentially. Theplatform of the invention is applicable with virtually any biotinylatedmolecule including but not limited to ligands, receptors,oligonucleotides, aptamers, and/or single chain TCRs. The universalimmune receptors or UnivIRs of the invention represent a new platformfor the rapid screening and generation of redirected T cells withfunction against virtually any antigen for which a specific targetingagent exists, and thus holds potential for widespread application.

Compositions

The present invention provides a type of UnivIR comprising anextracellular and intracellular domain. The extracellular domaincomprises a target-specific binding element otherwise referred to as anextracellular label binding domain. In some embodiments, theextracellular domain also comprises a hinge domain. The intracellulardomain or otherwise the cytoplasmic domain comprises, a costimulatorysignaling region and a zeta chain portion. The costimulatory signalingregion refers to a portion of the UnivIR comprising the intracellulardomain of a costimulatory molecule. Costimulatory molecules are cellsurface molecules other than antigens receptors or their ligands thatare required for an efficient response of lymphocytes to antigen.

Between the extracellular domain and the transmembrane domain of theUnivIR, or between the cytoplasmic domain and the transmembrane domainof the UnivIR, there may be incorporated a spacer domain. As usedherein, the term “spacer domain” generally means any oligo- orpolypeptide that functions to link the transmembrane domain to, eitherthe extracellular domain or, the cytoplasmic domain in the polypeptidechain. A spacer domain may comprise up to 300 amino acids, preferably 10to 100 amino acids and most preferably 25 to 50 amino acids.

The present invention includes retroviral and lentiviral vectorconstructs expressing a UnivIR that can be directly transduced into acell. The present invention also includes an RNA construct that can bedirectly transfected into a cell. A method for generating mRNA for usein transfection involves in vitro transcription (IVT) of a template withspecially designed primers, followed by polyA addition, to produce aconstruct containing 3′ and 5′ untranslated sequence (“UTR”), a 5′ capand/or Internal Ribosome Entry Site (IRES), the gene to be expressed,and a polyA tail, typically 50-2000 bases in length. RNA so produced canefficiently transfect different kinds of cells. In one embodiment, thetemplate includes sequences for the UnivIR.

Preferably, the UnivIR comprises an extracellular domain, atransmembrane domain and a cytoplasmic domain. The extracellular domainand transmembrane domain can be derived from any desired source of suchdomains.

Extracellular Label Binding Domain

The extracellular domain of the UnivIR of the present inventioncomprises a label binding domain. The label binding domain comprises anydomain known to bind to a known label. In one embodiment, the label isbiotin, and thus the label binding domain comprises a biotin bindingdomain. In one embodiment, the biotin binding domain comprises ananti-biotin antibody, or fragment thereof. In one embodiment, theextracellular domain may consist of an Ig heavy chain which may in turnbe covalently associated with Ig light chain by virtue of the presenceof CH1 and hinge regions, or may become covalently associated with otherIg heavy/light chain complexes by virtue of the presence of hinge, CH2and CH3 domains. In the latter case, the heavy/light chain complex thatbecomes joined to the chimeric construct may constitute an antibody witha specificity distinct from the antibody specificity of the chimericconstruct. Depending on the function of the antibody, the desiredstructure and the signal transduction, the entire chain may be used or atruncated chain may be used, where all or a part of the CH1, CH2, or CH3domains may be removed or all or part of the hinge region may beremoved.

In one embodiment, the biotin binding domain comprises avidin, or abiotin binding fragment thereof. The present invention is based upon auniversal strategy of adoptive T cell therapy using biotin-directedUnivIRs targeted to a biotinylated antigen. In one embodiment, thebiotin binding domain comprises streptavidin, or biotin binding fragmentthereof. Avidin and streptavidin are proteins known to have a highaffinity for biotin. In one embodiment, the binding domain comprises adimerized avidin domain, as it is shown herein that a UnivIR comprisinga dimerized avidin domain efficiently recognized biotinylated antigens.In another embodiment, the biotin binding domain comprises a monomericavidin domain. However, the present invention is not limited to biotinbinding domains comprising avidin, streptavidin, or fragments thereof.Rather, any domain known to bind biotin is encompassed in the presentinvention. Further, any domain found in the future to bind to biotin isalso encompassed in the present invention.

Further, the present invention relates to a UnivIR strategy wherein theUnivIR comprises an extracellular domain that is targeted to any labeledantigen. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to a biotinbinding domain comprising UnivIR directed to a biotin labeled antigen.Rather, any system of labeled antigen targeted by a label-binding domaincomprising UnivIR is encompassed herein. [[For example, the presentinvention encompasses the use of protein-protein interactions,receptor-ligand interactions, complementary oligonucleotides, and thelike, to direct the UnivIR to the target antigen. Examples of othertypes of labels useful in the present invention include myc-tag,FLAG-tag, His-tag, HA-tag, fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC),dinitrophenol, peridinin chlorophyll protein complex, green fluorescentprotein, biotin, phycoerythrin (PE), histidine, streptavidin, avidin,horse radish peroxidase, palmitoylation, nitrosylation, alkalaninephosphatase, glucose oxidase, Glutathione S-transferase (GST), maltosebinding protein, and any types of fluorescent materials includingquantum dot nanocrystals.

In one embodiment, the antigen of interested is labeled, for example, bythe administration of an antigen binding composition which comprises thelabel. In one embodiment, the label-directed UnivIR comprises anextracellular domain comprising a label-binding domain. Non-limitingexamples of label binding domains include peptides, antibodies,nucleotides, small molecules, and fragments thereof, known to bind tothe label. In one embodiment, the label binding domain of the UnivIR istranslated along with the intracellular and transmembrane domains of theUnivIR. In another embodiment, the label binding domain is applied tothe UnivIR following translation. For example, in one embodiment, thelabel binding domain is a distinct composition, separate from theintracellular and transmembrane domains of the UnivIR, which then bindsto the UnivIR, thereby forming a complex.

As discussed elsewhere herein, incorporation of a biotin binding domaininto the UnivIR allows for a universal design that can be targeted toany desired antigen. For example, when an antitumor UnivIR is desired,an antigen that is associated with a tumor is labeled with biotin, andthe biotin binding domain of the UnivIR therefore directs the UnivIR tothe biotin labeled tumor antigen. The tumor may be any type of tumor aslong as it has a cell surface antigen which may be labeled and thus isrecognized by the UnivIR.

In one embodiment, the UnivIR of the invention comprises atarget-specific binding element otherwise referred to as an antigenbinding domain. The choice of moiety depends upon the type and number ofligands that define the surface of a target cell. For example, theantigen binding domain may be chosen to recognize a ligand that acts asa cell surface marker on target cells associated with a particulardisease state. Thus examples of cell surface markers that may act asligands for the antigen moiety domain in the UnivIR of the inventioninclude those associated with viral, bacterial and parasitic infections,autoimmune disease and cancer cells.

In one embodiment, the retroviral or lentiviral vector comprisingcomprises a UnivIR designed to be directed to an antigen of interest byway of engineering a label binding domain (e.g., biotin binding domain)into the UnivIR. In the context of the present invention, “tumorantigen” or “hyperporoliferative disorder antigen” or “antigenassociated with a hyperproliferative disorder” refer to antigens thatare common to specific hyperproliferative disorders. In certain aspects,the hyperproliferative disorder antigens of the present invention arederived from cancers including, but not limited to, primary ormetastatic melanoma, mesothelioma, thymoma, lymphoma, sarcoma, lungcancer, liver cancer, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Hodgkins lymphoma,leukemias, uterine cancer, cervical cancer, bladder cancer, kidneycancer and adenocarcinomas such as breast cancer, prostate cancer,ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, and the like.

The present invention is not limited to UnivIRs directed to tumorantigens. Rather any antigen associated with a disease or disorder maybe targeted by the UnivIR of the invention. For example, in oneembodiment, the UnivIR of the invention is targeted to a viral antigen.In another embodiment, the UnivIR of the invention is targeted to a selfantigen. Self antigens are antigens normally tolerated by a healthysubject, but induce an adaptive immune response in autoimmune disorders.For example, epidermal cadherin is a self antigen which induces anautoimmune response in pemphigus vulgaris. Other non-limiting selfantigens (listed with their associated autoimmune disorder) which areuseful to be targeted by the composition of the invention, includepancreatic β-cell antigen (insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus),acetylcholine receptor (Myasthenia gravis), thyroid-stimulating hormonereceptor (Graves' disease), insulin receptor (hypoglycemia),glycoprotein IIb/IIIa (immune thrombocytopenic purpura), Rh blood groupantigens (autoimmune hemolytic anemia), rheumatoid factor IgG complexes(rheumatoid arthritis), and myelin basic protein (experimentalautoimmune encephalomyelitis, multiple sclerosis). In one embodiment, animmunosuppressive T regulatory cell modified to express a UnivIRtargeted via a biotin binding domain to a self-antigen reduces theautoimmune response directed to the self antigen.

Transmembrane Domain

With respect to the transmembrane domain, the UnivIR can be designed tocomprise a transmembrane domain that is fused to the extracellulardomain of the UnivIR. In one embodiment, the transmembrane domain thatnaturally is associated with one of the domains in the UnivIR is used.In some instances, the transmembrane domain can be selected or modifiedby amino acid substitution to avoid binding of such domains to thetransmembrane domains of the same or different surface membrane proteinsto minimize interactions with other members of the receptor complex.

The transmembrane domain may be derived either from a natural or from asynthetic source. Where the source is natural, the domain may be derivedfrom any membrane-bound or transmembrane protein. Transmembrane regionsof particular use in this invention may be derived from (i.e. compriseat least the transmembrane region(s) of) the alpha, beta or zeta chainof the T-cell receptor, CD28, CD3 epsilon, CD45, CD4, CD5, CD8, CD9,CD16, CD22, CD33, CD37, CD64, CD80, CD86, CD134, CD137, CD154.Alternatively the transmembrane domain may be synthetic, in which caseit will comprise predominantly hydrophobic residues such as leucine andvaline. Preferably a triplet of phenylalanine, tryptophan and valinewill be found at each end of a synthetic transmembrane domain.Optionally, a short oligo- or polypeptide linker, preferably between 2and 10 amino acids in length may form the linkage between thetransmembrane domain and the cytoplasmic signaling domain of the UnivIR.A glycine-serine doublet provides a particularly suitable linker.

Cytoplasmic Domain

The cytoplasmic domain or otherwise the intracellular signaling domainof the UnivIR of the invention is responsible for activation of at leastone of the normal effector functions of the immune cell in which theUnivIR has been placed in. The term “effector function” refers to aspecialized function of a cell. Effector function of a T cell, forexample, may be cytolytic activity or helper activity including thesecretion of cytokines. Thus the term “intracellular signaling domain”refers to the portion of a protein which transduces the effectorfunction signal and directs the cell to perform a specialized function.While usually the entire intracellular signaling domain can be employed,in many cases it is not necessary to use the entire chain. To the extentthat a truncated portion of the intracellular signaling domain is used,such truncated portion may be used in place of the intact chain as longas it transduces the effector function signal. The term intracellularsignaling domain is thus meant to include any truncated portion of theintracellular signaling domain sufficient to transduce the effectorfunction signal.

Preferred examples of intracellular signaling domains for use in theUnivIR of the invention include the cytoplasmic sequences of the T cellreceptor (TCR) and co-receptors that act in concert to initiate signaltransduction following antigen receptor engagement, as well as anyderivative or variant of these sequences and any synthetic sequence thathas the same functional capability.

It is known that signals generated through the TCR alone areinsufficient for full activation of the T cell and that a secondary orco-stimulatory signal is also required. Thus, T cell activation can besaid to be mediated by two distinct classes of cytoplasmic signalingsequence: those that initiate antigen-dependent primary activationthrough the TCR (primary cytoplasmic signaling sequences) and those thatact in an antigen-independent manner to provide a secondary orco-stimulatory signal (secondary cytoplasmic signaling sequences).

Primary cytoplasmic signaling sequences regulate primary activation ofthe TCR complex either in a stimulatory way, or in an inhibitory way.Primary cytoplasmic signaling sequences that act in a stimulatory mannermay contain signaling motifs which are known as immunoreceptortyrosine-based activation motifs or ITAMs.

Examples of ITAM containing primary cytoplasmic signaling sequences thatare of particular use in the invention include those derived from TCRzeta, FcR gamma, FcR beta, CD3 gamma, CD3 delta, CD3 epsilon, CD5, CD22,CD79a, CD79b, and CD66d. It is particularly preferred that cytoplasmicsignaling molecule in the UnivIR of the invention comprises acytoplasmic signaling sequence derived from CD3 zeta.

In a preferred embodiment, the cytoplasmic domain of the UnivIR can bedesigned to comprise the CD3-zeta signaling domain by itself or combinedwith any other desired cytoplasmic domain(s) useful in the context ofthe UnivIR of the invention. For example, the cytoplasmic domain of theUnivIR can comprise a CD3 zeta chain portion and a costimulatorysignaling region. The costimulatory signaling region refers to a portionof the UnivIR comprising the intracellular domain of a costimulatorymolecule. A costimulatory molecule is a cell surface molecule other thanan antigen receptor or their ligands that is required for an efficientresponse of lymphocytes to an antigen. Examples of such moleculesinclude CD27, CD28, 4-1BB (CD137), OX40, CD30, CD40, PD-1, ICOS,lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1), CD2, CD7, LIGHT,NKG2C, B7-H3, and a ligand that specifically binds with CD83, and thelike. Thus, while the invention in exemplified primarily with CD28 and4-1BB as the co-stimulatory signaling element, other costimulatoryelements are within the scope of the invention.

The cytoplasmic signaling sequences within the cytoplasmic signalingportion of the UnivIR of the invention may be linked to each other in arandom or specified order. Optionally, a short oligo- or polypeptidelinker, preferably between 2 and 10 amino acids in length may form thelinkage. A glycine-serine doublet provides a particularly suitablelinker.

In one embodiment, the cytoplasmic domain is designed to comprise thesignaling domain of CD3-zeta. In another embodiment, the cytoplasmicdomain is designed to comprise any combination of CD3-zeta, CD28, 4-1BB,and the like.

Labeling of Antigens

The present invention encompasses a UnivIR directed to a labeledantigen. In one embodiment, the antigen is labeled with biotin, and theUnivIR comprises a biotin binding domain. The antigen of interest islabeled by any method known in the art. For example, in one embodiment,an antigen binding composition, comprising a label (e.g. biotin), isapplied to the antigen. The composition may be, for example, anantibody, an antibody fragment, a peptide, a nucleic acid, aptamer,ribozyme, small molecule, and the like. In some aspects, an antigenbinding composition lacking a label may be used as the antigen bindingcomposition. For example, in one embodiment, the antigen bindingcomposition lacks a label while a second composition, which binds theantigen binding composition, contains the label.

As discussed elsewhere herein, the present invention is not limited tothe label being biotin. Rather any known set of binding partners may beused to target the UnivIR to an antigen of interest. Non-limitingexamples of labels include a peptide, an oligonucleotide, a smallmolecule, and a ligand. Well-known examples of labels include myc-tag,FLAG-tag, His-tag, HA-tag, fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC),dinitrophenol, peridinin chlorophyll protein complex, green fluorescentprotein, biotin, phycoerythrin (PE), histidine, streptavidin, avidin,horse radish peroxidase, palmitoylation, nitrosylation, alkalaninephosphatase, glucose oxidase, Glutathione S-transferase (GST), maltosebinding protein, and any types of fluorescent materials includingquantum dot nanocrystals.

In some embodiments, the antigen is labeled by way of the addition of apeptide domain, wherein the UnivIR comprises an extracellular domainwhich selectively binds to the peptide domain. In another embodiment,the antigen is labeled by way of the addition of a ligand, wherein theUnivIR comprises an extracellular domain comprising a receptor, orportion thereof, which selectively binds to the ligand. In yet anotherembodiment, the antigen is labeled by way of an oligonucleotide, whereinthe UnivIR comprises an extracellular domain comprising a complementaryoligonucleotide.

Labeling of the antigen with any of such labels may be performeddirectly or indirectly by way of a labeled antigen binding composition.The label may be conjugated to the antigen binding composition usingtechniques such as chemical coupling and chemical cross-linkers.Alternatively, polynucleotide vectors can be prepared that encode thelabeled antigen binding compositions as fusion proteins. Cell lines canthen be engineered to express the labeled antigen binding compositions,and the labeled antigen binding compositions can be isolated fromculture media, purified and used in the methods disclosed herein.Biotinylation of antigen binding compositions can be prepared frombiotin-NHS (N-hydroxy-succinimide) using techniques well-known withinthe art (e.g., biotinylation kit, Pierce Chemicals, Rockford).

The labeled antigen binding compositions may be formulated foradministered to a subject using techniques known to the skilled artisan.Formulations of the labeled antigen binding compositions may includepharmaceutically acceptable excipient(s). Excipients included in theformulations will have different purposes depending, for example, on thenature of the label, the antigen binding composition, and the mode ofadministration. Examples of generally used excipients include, withoutlimitation: saline, buffered saline, dextrose, water-for-infection,glycerol, ethanol, and combinations thereof, stabilizing agents,solubilizing agents and surfactants, buffers and preservatives, tonicityagents, bulking agents, and lubricating agents.

In another embodiment, the universal immune receptor comprises anextracellular domain that binds to an unlabeled intermediate, which inturn binds the agent or antigen.

Vectors

The present invention encompasses a DNA construct comprising thesequence of a UnivIR, wherein the sequence comprises the nucleic acidsequence of an extracellular domain operably linked to the nucleic acidsequence of an intracellular domain. In one embodiment, theextracellular domain comprises a label binding domain. An exemplaryextracellular domain comprises a biotin binding domain, for example adimerized avidin domain. An exemplary intracellular domain that can beused in the UnivIR of the invention includes but is not limited to theintracellular domain of CD3-zeta, CD28, 4-1BB, and the like. In someinstances, the UnivIR can comprise any combination of CD3-zeta, CD28,4-1BB, and the like.

In one embodiment, the UnivIR of the invention comprises a dimerizedavidin domain, human CD8 hinge and transmembrane domain, and a CD3-zetasignaling domains.

The nucleic acid sequences coding for the desired molecules can beobtained using recombinant methods known in the art, such as, forexample by screening libraries from cells expressing the gene, byderiving the gene from a vector known to include the same, or byisolating directly from cells and tissues containing the same, usingstandard techniques. Alternatively, the gene of interest can be producedsynthetically, rather than cloned.

The present invention also provides vectors in which a DNA of thepresent invention is inserted. Vectors derived from retroviruses such asthe lentivirus are suitable tools to achieve long-term gene transfersince they allow long-term, stable integration of a transgene and itspropagation in daughter cells. Lentiviral vectors have the addedadvantage over vectors derived from onco-retroviruses such as murineleukemia viruses in that they can transduce non-proliferating cells,such as hepatocytes. They also have the added advantage of lowimmunogenicity.

In brief summary, the expression of natural or synthetic nucleic acidsencoding UnivIRs is typically achieved by operably linking a nucleicacid encoding the UnivIR polypeptide or portions thereof to a promoter,and incorporating the construct into an expression vector. The vectorscan be suitable for replication and integration eukaryotes. Typicalcloning vectors contain transcription and translation terminators,initiation sequences, and promoters useful for regulation of theexpression of the desired nucleic acid sequence.

The expression constructs of the present invention may also be used fornucleic acid immunization and gene therapy, using standard gene deliveryprotocols. Methods for gene delivery are known in the art. See, e.g.,U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,399,346, 5,580,859, 5,589,466, incorporated byreference herein in their entireties. In another embodiment, theinvention provides a gene therapy vector.

The nucleic acid can be cloned into a number of types of vectors. Forexample, the nucleic acid can be cloned into a vector including, but notlimited to a plasmid, a phagemid, a phage derivative, an animal virus,and a cosmid. Vectors of particular interest include expression vectors,replication vectors, probe generation vectors, and sequencing vectors.

Further, the expression vector may be provided to a cell in the form ofa viral vector. Viral vector technology is well known in the art and isdescribed, for example, in Sambrook et al. (2001, Molecular Cloning: ALaboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, New York), and inother virology and molecular biology manuals. Viruses, which are usefulas vectors include, but are not limited to, retroviruses, adenoviruses,adeno-associated viruses, herpes viruses, and lentiviruses. In general,a suitable vector contains an origin of replication functional in atleast one organism, a promoter sequence, convenient restrictionendonuclease sites, and one or more selectable markers, (e.g., WO01/96584; WO 01/29058; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,326,193).

A number of viral based systems have been developed for gene transferinto mammalian cells. For example, retroviruses provide a convenientplatform for gene delivery systems. A selected gene can be inserted intoa vector and packaged in retroviral particles using techniques known inthe art. The recombinant virus can then be isolated and delivered tocells of the subject either in vivo or ex vivo. A number of retroviralsystems are known in the art. In some embodiments, adenovirus vectorsare used. A number of adenovirus vectors are known in the art. In oneembodiment, lentivirus vectors are used.

Additional promoter elements, e.g., enhancers, regulate the frequency oftranscriptional initiation. Typically, these are located in the region30-110 bp upstream of the start site, although a number of promotershave recently been shown to contain functional elements downstream ofthe start site as well. The spacing between promoter elements frequentlyis flexible, so that promoter function is preserved when elements areinverted or moved relative to one another. In the thymidine kinase (tk)promoter, the spacing between promoter elements can be increased to 50bp apart before activity begins to decline. Depending on the promoter,it appears that individual elements can function either cooperatively orindependently to activate transcription.

One example of a suitable promoter is the immediate earlycytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter sequence. This promoter sequence is astrong constitutive promoter sequence capable of driving high levels ofexpression of any polynucleotide sequence operatively linked thereto.Another example of a suitable promoter is Elongation Growth Factor-1α(EF-1α). However, other constitutive promoter sequences may also beused, including, but not limited to the simian virus 40 (SV40) earlypromoter, mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV), human immunodeficiency virus(HIV) long terminal repeat (LTR) promoter, MoMuLV promoter, an avianleukemia virus promoter, an Epstein-Barr virus immediate early promoter,a Rous sarcoma virus promoter, as well as human gene promoters such as,but not limited to, the actin promoter, the myosin promoter, thehemoglobin promoter, and the creatine kinase promoter. Further, theinvention should not be limited to the use of constitutive promoters.Inducible promoters are also contemplated as part of the invention. Theuse of an inducible promoter provides a molecular switch capable ofturning on expression of the polynucleotide sequence which it isoperatively linked when such expression is desired, or turning off theexpression when expression is not desired. Examples of induciblepromoters include, but are not limited to a metallothionine promoter, aglucocorticoid promoter, a progesterone promoter, and a tetracyclinepromoter.

In order to assess the expression of a UnivIR polypeptide or portionsthereof, the expression vector to be introduced into a cell can alsocontain either a selectable marker gene or a reporter gene or both tofacilitate identification and selection of expressing cells from thepopulation of cells sought to be transfected or infected through viralvectors. In other aspects, the selectable marker may be carried on aseparate piece of DNA and used in a co-transfection procedure. Bothselectable markers and reporter genes may be flanked with appropriateregulatory sequences to enable expression in the host cells. Usefulselectable markers include, for example, antibiotic-resistance genes,such as neo and the like.

Reporter genes are used for identifying potentially transfected cellsand for evaluating the functionality of regulatory sequences. Ingeneral, a reporter gene is a gene that is not present in or expressedby the recipient organism or tissue and that encodes a polypeptide whoseexpression is manifested by some easily detectable property, e.g.,enzymatic activity. Expression of the reporter gene is assayed at asuitable time after the DNA has been introduced into the recipientcells. Suitable reporter genes may include genes encoding luciferase,beta-galactosidase, chloramphenicol acetyl transferase, secretedalkaline phosphatase, or the green fluorescent protein gene (e.g.,Ui-Tei et al., 2000 FEBS Letters 479: 79-82). Suitable expressionsystems are well known and may be prepared using known techniques orobtained commercially. In general, the construct with the minimal 5′flanking region showing the highest level of expression of reporter geneis identified as the promoter. Such promoter regions may be linked to areporter gene and used to evaluate agents for the ability to modulatepromoter-driven transcription.

Methods of introducing and expressing genes into a cell are known in theart. In the context of an expression vector, the vector can be readilyintroduced into a host cell, e.g., mammalian, bacterial, yeast, orinsect cell by any method in the art. For example, the expression vectorcan be transferred into a host cell by physical, chemical, or biologicalmeans.

Physical methods for introducing a polynucleotide into a host cellinclude calcium phosphate precipitation, lipofection, particlebombardment, microinjection, electroporation, and the like. Methods forproducing cells comprising vectors and/or exogenous nucleic acids arewell-known in the art. See, for example, Sambrook et al. (2001,Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory,New York). A preferred method for the introduction of a polynucleotideinto a host cell is calcium phosphate transfection.

Biological methods for introducing a polynucleotide of interest into ahost cell include the use of DNA and RNA vectors. Viral vectors, andespecially retroviral vectors, have become the most widely used methodfor inserting genes into mammalian, e.g., human cells. Other viralvectors can be derived from lentivirus, poxviruses, herpes simplex virusI, adenoviruses and adeno-associated viruses, and the like. See, forexample, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,350,674 and 5,585,362.

Chemical means for introducing a polynucleotide into a host cell includecolloidal dispersion systems, such as macromolecule complexes,nanocapsules, microspheres, beads, and lipid-based systems includingoil-in-water emulsions, micelles, mixed micelles, and liposomes. Anexemplary colloidal system for use as a delivery vehicle in vitro and invivo is a liposome (e.g., an artificial membrane vesicle).

In the case where a non-viral delivery system is utilized, an exemplarydelivery vehicle is a liposome. The use of lipid formulations iscontemplated for the introduction of the nucleic acids into a host cell(in vitro, ex vivo or in vivo). In another aspect, the nucleic acid maybe associated with a lipid. The nucleic acid associated with a lipid maybe encapsulated in the aqueous interior of a liposome, interspersedwithin the lipid bilayer of a liposome, attached to a liposome via alinking molecule that is associated with both the liposome and theoligonucleotide, entrapped in a liposome, complexed with a liposome,dispersed in a solution containing a lipid, mixed with a lipid, combinedwith a lipid, contained as a suspension in a lipid, contained orcomplexed with a micelle, or otherwise associated with a lipid. Lipid,lipid/DNA or lipid/expression vector associated compositions are notlimited to any particular structure in solution. For example, they maybe present in a bilayer structure, as micelles, or with a “collapsed”structure. They may also simply be interspersed in a solution, possiblyforming aggregates that are not uniform in size or shape. Lipids arefatty substances which may be naturally occurring or synthetic lipids.For example, lipids include the fatty droplets that naturally occur inthe cytoplasm as well as the class of compounds which contain long-chainaliphatic hydrocarbons and their derivatives, such as fatty acids,alcohols, amines, amino alcohols, and aldehydes.

Lipids suitable for use can be obtained from commercial sources. Forexample, dimyristyl phosphatidylcholine (“DMPC”) can be obtained fromSigma, St. Louis, Mo.; dicetyl phosphate (“DCP”) can be obtained from K& K Laboratories (Plainview, N.Y.); cholesterol (“Choi”) can be obtainedfrom Calbiochem-Behring; dimyristyl phosphatidylglycerol (“DMPG”) andother lipids may be obtained from Avanti Polar Lipids, Inc. (Birmingham,Ala.). Stock solutions of lipids in chloroform or chloroform/methanolcan be stored at about −20° C. Chloroform is used as the only solventsince it is more readily evaporated than methanol. “Liposome” is ageneric term encompassing a variety of single and multilamellar lipidvehicles formed by the generation of enclosed lipid bilayers oraggregates. Liposomes can be characterized as having vesicularstructures with a phospholipid bilayer membrane and an inner aqueousmedium. Multilamellar liposomes have multiple lipid layers separated byaqueous medium. They form spontaneously when phospholipids are suspendedin an excess of aqueous solution. The lipid components undergoself-rearrangement before the formation of closed structures and entrapwater and dissolved solutes between the lipid bilayers (Ghosh et al.,1991 Glycobiology 5: 505-10). However, compositions that have differentstructures in solution than the normal vesicular structure are alsoencompassed. For example, the lipids may assume a micellar structure ormerely exist as nonuniform aggregates of lipid molecules. Alsocontemplated are lipofectamine-nucleic acid complexes.

Regardless of the method used to introduce exogenous nucleic acids intoa host cell or otherwise expose a cell to the inhibitor of the presentinvention, in order to confirm the presence of the recombinant DNAsequence in the host cell, a variety of assays may be performed. Suchassays include, for example, “molecular biological” assays well known tothose of skill in the art, such as Southern and Northern blotting,RT-PCR and PCR; “biochemical” assays, such as detecting the presence orabsence of a particular peptide, e.g., by immunological means (ELISAsand Western blots) or by assays described herein to identify agentsfalling within the scope of the invention.

RNA Transfection

In one embodiment, the genetically modified T cells of the invention aremodified through the introduction of RNA. In one embodiment, an in vitrotranscribed RNA UnivIR can be introduced to a cell as a form oftransient transfection. The RNA is produced by in vitro transcriptionusing a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-generated template. DNA ofinterest from any source can be directly converted by PCR into atemplate for in vitro mRNA synthesis using appropriate primers and RNApolymerase. The source of the DNA can be, for example, genomic DNA,plasmid DNA, phage DNA, cDNA, synthetic DNA sequence or any otherappropriate source of DNA. The desired template for in vitrotranscription is the UnivIR of the present invention. For example, thetemplate for the RNA UnivIR comprises an extracellular domain comprisinga label binding domain; a transmembrane domain comprising the hinge andtransmembrane domain of CD8a; and a cytoplasmic domain comprises thesignaling domain of CD3-zeta.

In one embodiment, the DNA to be used for PCR contains an open readingframe. The DNA can be from a naturally occurring DNA sequence from thegenome of an organism. In one embodiment, the DNA is a full length geneof interest of a portion of a gene. The gene can include some or all ofthe 5′ and/or 3′ untranslated regions (UTRs). The gene can include exonsand introns. In one embodiment, the DNA to be used for PCR is a humangene. In another embodiment, the DNA to be used for PCR is a human geneincluding the 5′ and 3′ UTRs. The DNA can alternatively be an artificialDNA sequence that is not normally expressed in a naturally occurringorganism. An exemplary artificial DNA sequence is one that containsportions of genes that are ligated together to form an open readingframe that encodes a fusion protein. The portions of DNA that areligated together can be from a single organism or from more than oneorganism.

Genes that can be used as sources of DNA for PCR include genes thatencode polypeptides that provide a therapeutic or prophylactic effect toan organism or that can be used to diagnose a disease or disorder in anorganism. Preferred genes are genes which are useful for a short termtreatment, or where there are safety concerns regarding dosage or theexpressed gene. For example, for treatment of cancer, autoimmunedisorders, parasitic, viral, bacterial, fungal or other infections, thetransgene(s) to be expressed may encode a polypeptide that functions asa ligand or receptor for cells of the immune system, or can function tostimulate or inhibit the immune system of an organism. In someembodiments, t is not desirable to have prolonged ongoing stimulation ofthe immune system, nor necessary to produce changes which last aftersuccessful treatment, since this may then elicit a new problem. Fortreatment of an autoimmune disorder, it may be desirable to inhibit orsuppress the immune system during a flare-up, but not long term, whichcould result in the patient becoming overly sensitive to an infection.

PCR is used to generate a template for in vitro transcription of mRNAwhich is used for transfection. Methods for performing PCR are wellknown in the art. Primers for use in PCR are designed to have regionsthat are substantially complementary to regions of the DNA to be used asa template for the PCR. “Substantially complementary”, as used herein,refers to sequences of nucleotides where a majority or all of the basesin the primer sequence are complementary, or one or more bases arenon-complementary, or mismatched. Substantially complementary sequencesare able to anneal or hybridize with the intended DNA target underannealing conditions used for PCR. The primers can be designed to besubstantially complementary to any portion of the DNA template. Forexample, the primers can be designed to amplify the portion of a genethat is normally transcribed in cells (the open reading frame),including 5′ and 3′ UTRs. The primers can also be designed to amplify aportion of a gene that encodes a particular domain of interest. In oneembodiment, the primers are designed to amplify the coding region of ahuman cDNA, including all or portions of the 5′ and 3′ UTRs. Primersuseful for PCR are generated by synthetic methods that are well known inthe art. “Forward primers” are primers that contain a region ofnucleotides that are substantially complementary to nucleotides on theDNA template that are upstream of the DNA sequence that is to beamplified. “Upstream” is used herein to refer to a location 5, to theDNA sequence to be amplified relative to the coding strand. “Reverseprimers” are primers that contain a region of nucleotides that aresubstantially complementary to a double-stranded DNA template that aredownstream of the DNA sequence that is to be amplified. “Downstream” isused herein to refer to a location 3′ to the DNA sequence to beamplified relative to the coding strand.

Any DNA polymerase useful for PCR can be used in the methods disclosedherein. The reagents and polymerase are commercially available from anumber of sources.

Chemical structures with the ability to promote stability and/ortranslation efficiency may also be used. The RNA preferably has 5′ and3′ UTRs. In one embodiment, the 5′ UTR is between zero and 3000nucleotides in length. The length of 5′ and 3′ UTR sequences to be addedto the coding region can be altered by different methods, including, butnot limited to, designing primers for PCR that anneal to differentregions of the UTRs. Using this approach, one of ordinary skill in theart can modify the 5′ and 3′ UTR lengths required to achieve optimaltranslation efficiency following transfection of the transcribed RNA.

The 5′ and 3′ UTRs can be the naturally occurring, endogenous 5′ and 3′UTRs for the gene of interest. Alternatively, UTR sequences that are notendogenous to the gene of interest can be added by incorporating the UTRsequences into the forward and reverse primers or by any othermodifications of the template. The use of UTR sequences that are notendogenous to the gene of interest can be useful for modifying thestability and/or translation efficiency of the RNA. For example, it isknown that AU-rich elements in 3′ UTR sequences can decrease thestability of mRNA. Therefore, 3′ UTRs can be selected or designed toincrease the stability of the transcribed RNA based on properties ofUTRs that are well known in the art.

In one embodiment, the 5′ UTR can contain the Kozak sequence of theendogenous gene. Alternatively, when a 5′ UTR that is not endogenous tothe gene of interest is being added by PCR as described above, aconsensus Kozak sequence can be redesigned by adding the 5′ UTRsequence. Kozak sequences can increase the efficiency of translation ofsome RNA transcripts, but does not appear to be required for all RNAs toenable efficient translation. The requirement for Kozak sequences formany mRNAs is known in the art. In other embodiments the 5′ UTR can bederived from an RNA virus whose RNA genome is stable in cells. In otherembodiments various nucleotide analogues can be used in the 3′ or 5′ UTRto impede exonuclease degradation of the mRNA.

To enable synthesis of RNA from a DNA template without the need for genecloning, a promoter of transcription should be attached to the DNAtemplate upstream of the sequence to be transcribed. When a sequencethat functions as a promoter for an RNA polymerase is added to the 5′end of the forward primer, the RNA polymerase promoter becomesincorporated into the PCR product upstream of the open reading framethat is to be transcribed. In one preferred embodiment, the promoter isa T7 polymerase promoter, as described elsewhere herein. Other usefulpromoters include, but are not limited to, T3 and SP6 RNA polymerasepromoters. Consensus nucleotide sequences for T7, T3 and SP6 promotersare known in the art.

In a preferred embodiment, the mRNA has both a cap on the 5′ end and a3′ poly(A) tail which determine ribosome binding, initiation oftranslation and stability mRNA in the cell. On a circular DNA template,for instance, plasmid DNA, RNA polymerase produces a long concatamericproduct which is not suitable for expression in eukaryotic cells. Thetranscription of plasmid DNA linearized at the end of the 3′ UTR resultsin normal sized mRNA which is not effective in eukaryotic transfectioneven if it is polyadenylated after transcription.

On a linear DNA template, phage T7 RNA polymerase can extend the 3′ endof the transcript beyond the last base of the template (Schenborn andMierendorf, Nuc Acids Res., 13:6223-36 (1985); Nacheva andBerzal-Herranz, Eur. J. Biochem., 270:1485-65 (2003).

The conventional method of integration of polyA/T stretches into a DNAtemplate is molecular cloning. However polyA/T sequence integrated intoplasmid DNA can cause plasmid instability, which is why plasmid DNAtemplates obtained from bacterial cells are often highly contaminatedwith deletions and other aberrations. This makes cloning procedures notonly laborious and time consuming but often not reliable. That is why amethod which allows construction of DNA templates with polyA/T 3′stretch without cloning highly desirable.

The polyA/T segment of the transcriptional DNA template can be producedduring PCR by using a reverse primer containing a polyT tail, such as100T tail (size can be 50-5000 T), or after PCR by any other method,including, but not limited to, DNA ligation or in vitro recombination.Poly(A) tails also provide stability to RNAs and reduce theirdegradation. Generally, the length of a poly(A) tail positivelycorrelates with the stability of the transcribed RNA. In one embodiment,the poly(A) tail is between 100 and 5000 adenosines.

Poly(A) tails of RNAs can be further extended following in vitrotranscription with the use of a poly(A) polymerase, such as E. colipolyA polymerase (E-PAP). In one embodiment, increasing the length of apoly(A) tail from 100 nucleotides to between 300 and 400 nucleotidesresults in about a two-fold increase in the translation efficiency ofthe RNA. Additionally, the attachment of different chemical groups tothe 3′ end can increase mRNA stability. Such attachment can containmodified/artificial nucleotides, aptamers and other compounds. Forexample, ATP analogs can be incorporated into the poly(A) tail usingpoly(A) polymerase. ATP analogs can further increase the stability ofthe RNA.

5′ caps on also provide stability to RNA molecules. In a preferredembodiment, RNAs produced by the methods disclosed herein include a 5′cap. The 5′ cap is provided using techniques known in the art anddescribed herein (Cougot, et al., Trends in Biochem. Sci., 29:436-444(2001); Stepinski, et al., RNA, 7:1468-95 (2001); Elango, et al.,Biochim. Biophys. Res. Commun., 330:958-966 (2005)).

The RNAs produced by the methods disclosed herein can also contain aninternal ribosome entry site (IRES) sequence. The IRES sequence may beany viral, chromosomal or artificially designed sequence which initiatescap-independent ribosome binding to mRNA and facilitates the initiationof translation. Any solutes suitable for cell electroporation, which cancontain factors facilitating cellular permeability and viability such assugars, peptides, lipids, proteins, antioxidants, and surfactants can beincluded.

RNA can be introduced into target cells using any of a number ofdifferent methods, for instance, commercially available methods whichinclude, but are not limited to, electroporation (Amaxa Nucleofector-II(Amaxa Biosystems, Cologne, Germany)), (ECM 830 (BTX) (HarvardInstruments, Boston, Mass.) or the Gene Pulser II (BioRad, Denver,Colo.), Multiporator (Eppendort, Hamburg Germany), cationic liposomemediated transfection using lipofection, polymer encapsulation, peptidemediated transfection, or biolistic particle delivery systems such as“gene guns” (see, for example, Nishikawa, et al. Hum Gene Ther.,12(8):861-70 (2001).

Genetically Modified T Cells

In some embodiments, the UnivIR sequences are delivered into cells usinga retroviral or lentiviral vector. UnivIR-expressing retroviral andlentiviral vectors can be delivered into different types of eukaryoticcells as well as into tissues and whole organisms using transduced cellsas carriers or cell-free local or systemic delivery of encapsulated,bound or naked vectors. The method used can be for any purpose wherestable expression is required or sufficient.

In other embodiments, the UnivIR sequences are delivered into cellsusing in vitro transcribed mRNA. In vitro transcribed mRNA UnivIR can bedelivered into different types of eukaryotic cells as well as intotissues and whole organisms using transfected cells as carriers orcell-free local or systemic delivery of encapsulated, bound or nakedmRNA. The method used can be for any purpose where transient expressionis required or sufficient.

The disclosed methods can be applied to the modulation of T cellactivity in basic research and therapy, in the fields of cancer, stemcells, acute and chronic infections, and autoimmune diseases, includingthe assessment of the ability of the genetically modified T cell to killa target cancer cell.

The methods also provide the ability to control the level of expressionover a wide range by changing, for example, the promoter or the amountof input RNA, making it possible to individually regulate the expressionlevel. Furthermore, the PCR-based technique of mRNA production greatlyfacilitates the design of the chimeric receptor mRNAs with differentstructures and combination of their domains. For example, varying ofdifferent intracellular effector/costimulator domains on multiplechimeric receptors in the same cell allows determination of thestructure of the receptor combinations which assess the highest level ofcytotoxicity against multi-antigenic targets, and at the same timelowest cytotoxicity toward normal cells.

One advantage of RNA transfection methods of the invention is that RNAtransfection is essentially transient and a vector-free: An RNAtransgene can be delivered to a lymphocyte and expressed thereinfollowing a brief in vitro cell activation, as a minimal expressingcassette without the need for any additional viral sequences. Underthese conditions, integration of the transgene into the host cell genomeis unlikely. Cloning of cells is not necessary because of the efficiencyof transfection of the RNA and its ability to uniformly modify theentire lymphocyte population.

Genetic modification of T cells with in vitro-transcribed RNA (IVT-RNA)makes use of two different strategies both of which have beensuccessively tested in various animal models. Cells are transfected within vitro-transcribed RNA by means of lipofection or electroporation.Preferably, it is desirable to stabilize IVT-RNA using variousmodifications in order to achieve prolonged expression of transferredIVT-RNA.

Some WT vectors are known in the literature which are utilized in astandardized manner as template for in vitro transcription and whichhave been genetically modified in such a way that stabilized RNAtranscripts are produced. Currently protocols used in the art are basedon a plasmid vector with the following structure: a 5′ RNA polymerasepromoter enabling RNA transcription, followed by a gene of interestwhich is flanked either 3′ and/or 5′ by untranslated regions (UTR), anda 3′ polyadenyl cassette containing 50-70 A nucleotides. Prior to invitro transcription, the circular plasmid is linearized downstream ofthe polyadenyl cassette by type II restriction enzymes (recognitionsequence corresponds to cleavage site). The polyadenyl cassette thuscorresponds to the later poly(A) sequence in the transcript. As a resultof this procedure, some nucleotides remain as part of the enzymecleavage site after linearization and extend or mask the poly(A)sequence at the 3′ end. It is not clear, whether this nonphysiologicaloverhang affects the amount of protein produced intracellularly fromsuch a construct.

RNA has several advantages over more traditional plasmid or viralapproaches. Gene expression from an RNA source does not requiretranscription and the protein product is produced rapidly after thetransfection. Further, since the RNA has to only gain access to thecytoplasm, rather than the nucleus, and therefore typical transfectionmethods result in an extremely high rate of transfection. In addition,plasmid based approaches require that the promoter driving theexpression of the gene of interest be active in the cells under study.

In another aspect, the RNA construct can be delivered into the cells byelectroporation. See, e.g., the formulations and methodology ofelectroporation of nucleic acid constructs into mammalian cells astaught in US 2004/0014645, US 2005/0052630A1, US 2005/0070841A1, US2004/0059285A1, US 2004/0092907A1. The various parameters includingelectric field strength required for electroporation of any known celltype are generally known in the relevant research literature as well asnumerous patents and applications in the field. See e.g., U.S. Pat. No.6,678,556, U.S. Pat. No. 7,171,264, and U.S. Pat. No. 7,173,116.Apparatus for therapeutic application of electroporation are availablecommercially, e.g., the MedPulser™ DNA Electroporation Therapy System(Inovio/Genetronics, San Diego, Calif.), and are described in patentssuch as U.S. Pat. No. 6,567,694; U.S. Pat. No. 6,516,223, U.S. Pat. No.5,993,434, U.S. Pat. No. 6,181,964, U.S. Pat. No. 6,241,701, and U.S.Pat. No. 6,233,482; electroporation may also be used for transfection ofcells in vitro as described e.g. in US20070128708A1. Electroporation mayalso be utilized to deliver nucleic acids into cells in vitro.Accordingly, electroporation-mediated administration into cells ofnucleic acids including expression constructs utilizing any of the manyavailable devices and electroporation systems known to those of skill inthe art presents an exciting new means for delivering an RNA of interestto a target cell.

Sources of T Cells

Prior to expansion and genetic modification of the T cells of theinvention, a source of T cells is obtained from a subject. T cells canbe obtained from a number of sources, including peripheral bloodmononuclear cells, bone marrow, lymph node tissue, cord blood, thymustissue, tissue from a site of infection, ascites, pleural effusion,spleen tissue, and tumors. In certain embodiments of the presentinvention, any number of T cell lines available in the art, may be used.In certain embodiments of the present invention, T cells can be obtainedfrom a unit of blood collected from a subject using any number oftechniques known to the skilled artisan, such as Ficoll™ separation. Inone preferred embodiment, cells from the circulating blood of anindividual are obtained by apheresis. The apheresis product typicallycontains lymphocytes, including T cells, monocytes, granulocytes, Bcells, other nucleated white blood cells, red blood cells, andplatelets. In one embodiment, the cells collected by apheresis may bewashed to remove the plasma fraction and to place the cells in anappropriate buffer or media for subsequent processing steps. In oneembodiment of the invention, the cells are washed with phosphatebuffered saline (PBS). In an alternative embodiment, the wash solutionlacks calcium and may lack magnesium or may lack many if not alldivalent cations. Again, surprisingly, initial activation steps in theabsence of calcium lead to magnified activation. As those of ordinaryskill in the art would readily appreciate a washing step may beaccomplished by methods known to those in the art, such as by using asemi-automated “flow-through” centrifuge (for example, the Cobe 2991cell processor, the Baxter CytoMate, or the Haemonetics Cell Saver 5)according to the manufacturer's instructions. After washing, the cellsmay be resuspended in a variety of biocompatible buffers, such as, forexample, Ca^(2±)-free, Mg^(2±)-free PBS, PlasmaLyte A, or other salinesolution with or without buffer. Alternatively, the undesirablecomponents of the apheresis sample may be removed and the cells directlyresuspended in culture media.

In another embodiment, T cells are isolated from peripheral bloodlymphocytes by lysing the red blood cells and depleting the monocytes,for example, by centrifugation through a PERCOLL™ gradient or bycounterflow centrifugal elutriation. A specific subpopulation of Tcells, such as CD3⁺, CD28⁺, CD4⁺, CD8⁺, CD45RA⁺, and CD45RO⁺ T cells,can be further isolated by positive or negative selection techniques.For example, in one embodiment, T cells are isolated by incubation withanti-CD3/anti-CD28 (i.e., 3×28)-conjugated beads, such as DYNABEADS®M-450 CD3/CD28 T, for a time period sufficient for positive selection ofthe desired T cells. In one embodiment, the time period is about 30minutes. In a further embodiment, the time period ranges from 30 minutesto 36 hours or longer and all integer values there between. In a furtherembodiment, the time period is at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 hours. Inyet another preferred embodiment, the time period is 10 to 24 hours. Inone preferred embodiment, the incubation time period is 24 hours. Forisolation of T cells from patients with leukemia, use of longerincubation times, such as 24 hours, can increase cell yield. Longerincubation times may be used to isolate T cells in any situation wherethere are few T cells as compared to other cell types, such in isolatingtumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) from tumor tissue or fromimmune-compromised individuals. Further, use of longer incubation timescan increase the efficiency of capture of CD8+ T cells. Thus, by simplyshortening or lengthening the time T cells are allowed to bind to theCD3/CD28 beads and/or by increasing or decreasing the ratio of beads toT cells (as described further herein), subpopulations of T cells can bepreferentially selected for or against at culture initiation or at othertime points during the process. Additionally, by increasing ordecreasing the ratio of anti-CD3 and/or anti-CD28 antibodies on thebeads or other surface, subpopulations of T cells can be preferentiallyselected for or against at culture initiation or at other desired timepoints. The skilled artisan would recognize that multiple rounds ofselection can also be used in the context of this invention. In certainembodiments, it may be desirable to perform the selection procedure anduse the “unselected” cells in the activation and expansion process.“Unselected” cells can also be subjected to further rounds of selection.

Enrichment of a T cell population by negative selection can beaccomplished with a combination of antibodies directed to surfacemarkers unique to the negatively selected cells. One method is cellsorting and/or selection via negative magnetic immunoadherence or flowcytometry that uses a cocktail of monoclonal antibodies directed to cellsurface markers present on the cells negatively selected. For example,to enrich for CD4⁺ cells by negative selection, a monoclonal antibodycocktail typically includes antibodies to CD14, CD20, CD11b, CD16,HLA-DR, and CD8. In certain embodiments, it may be desirable to enrichfor or positively select for regulatory T cells which typically expressCD4⁺, CD25⁺, CD62L^(hi), GITR⁺, and FoxP3⁺. Alternatively, in certainembodiments, T regulatory cells are depleted by anti-C25 conjugatedbeads or other similar method of selection.

For isolation of a desired population of cells by positive or negativeselection, the concentration of cells and surface (e.g., particles suchas beads) can be varied. In certain embodiments, it may be desirable tosignificantly decrease the volume in which beads and cells are mixedtogether (i.e., increase the concentration of cells), to ensure maximumcontact of cells and beads. For example, in one embodiment, aconcentration of 2 billion cells/ml is used. In one embodiment, aconcentration of 1 billion cells/ml is used. In a further embodiment,greater than 100 million cells/ml is used. In a further embodiment, aconcentration of cells of 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, or 50 millioncells/ml is used. In yet another embodiment, a concentration of cellsfrom 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, or 100 million cells/ml is used. In furtherembodiments, concentrations of 125 or 150 million cells/ml can be used.Using high concentrations can result in increased cell yield, cellactivation, and cell expansion. Further, use of high cell concentrationsallows more efficient capture of cells that may weakly express targetantigens of interest, such as CD28-negative T cells, or from sampleswhere there are many tumor cells present (i.e., leukemic blood, tumortissue, etc.). Such populations of cells may have therapeutic value andwould be desirable to obtain. For example, using high concentration ofcells allows more efficient selection of CD8⁺ T cells that normally haveweaker CD28 expression.

In a related embodiment, it may be desirable to use lower concentrationsof cells. By significantly diluting the mixture of T cells and surface(e.g., particles such as beads), interactions between the particles andcells is minimized. This selects for cells that express high amounts ofdesired antigens to be bound to the particles. For example, CD4⁺ T cellsexpress higher levels of CD28 and are more efficiently captured thanCD8⁺ T cells in dilute concentrations. In one embodiment, theconcentration of cells used is 5×10⁶/ml. In other embodiments, theconcentration used can be from about 1×10⁵/ml to 1×10⁶/ml, and anyinteger value in between.

In other embodiments, the cells may be incubated on a rotator forvarying lengths of time at varying speeds at either 2-10° C. or at roomtemperature.

T cells for stimulation can also be frozen after a washing step. Wishingnot to be bound by theory, the freeze and subsequent thaw step providesa more uniform product by removing granulocytes and to some extentmonocytes in the cell population. After the washing step that removesplasma and platelets, the cells may be suspended in a freezing solution.While many freezing solutions and parameters are known in the art andwill be useful in this context, one method involves using PBS containing20% DMSO and 8% human serum albumin, or culture media containing 10%Dextran 40 and 5% Dextrose, 20% Human Serum Albumin and 7.5% DMSO, or31.25% Plasmalyte-A, 31.25% Dextrose 5%, 0.45% NaCl, 10% Dextran 40 and5% Dextrose, 20% Human Serum Albumin, and 7.5% DMSO or other suitablecell freezing media containing for example, Hespan and PlasmaLyte A, thecells then are frozen to −80° C. at a rate of 1° per minute and storedin the vapor phase of a liquid nitrogen storage tank. Other methods ofcontrolled freezing may be used as well as uncontrolled freezingimmediately at −20° C. or in liquid nitrogen.

In certain embodiments, cryopreserved cells are thawed and washed asdescribed herein and allowed to rest for one hour at room temperatureprior to activation using the methods of the present invention.

Also contemplated in the context of the invention is the collection ofblood samples or apheresis product from a subject at a time period priorto when the expanded cells as described herein might be needed. As such,the source of the cells to be expanded can be collected at any timepoint necessary, and desired cells, such as T cells, isolated and frozenfor later use in T cell therapy for any number of diseases or conditionsthat would benefit from T cell therapy, such as those described herein.In one embodiment a blood sample or an apheresis is taken from agenerally healthy subject. In certain embodiments, a blood sample or anapheresis is taken from a generally healthy subject who is at risk ofdeveloping a disease, but who has not yet developed a disease, and thecells of interest are isolated and frozen for later use. In certainembodiments, the T cells may be expanded, frozen, and used at a latertime. In certain embodiments, samples are collected from a patientshortly after diagnosis of a particular disease as described herein butprior to any treatments. In a further embodiment, the cells are isolatedfrom a blood sample or an apheresis from a subject prior to any numberof relevant treatment modalities, including but not limited to treatmentwith agents such as natalizumab, efalizumab, antiviral agents,chemotherapy, radiation, immunosuppressive agents, such as cyclosporin,azathioprine, methotrexate, mycophenolate, and FK506, antibodies, orother immunoablative agents such as CAMPATH, anti-CD3 antibodies,cytoxan, fludarabine, cyclosporin, FK506, rapamycin, mycophenolic acid,steroids, FR901228, and irradiation. These drugs inhibit either thecalcium dependent phosphatase calcineurin (cyclosporine and FK506) orinhibit the p70S6 kinase that is important for growth factor inducedsignaling (rapamycin) (Liu et al., Cell 66:807-815, 1991; Henderson etal., Immun. 73:316-321, 1991; Bierer et al., Curr. Opin. Immun.5:763-773, 1993). In a further embodiment, the cells are isolated for apatient and frozen for later use in conjunction with (e.g., before,simultaneously or following) bone marrow or stem cell transplantation, Tcell ablative therapy using either chemotherapy agents such as,fludarabine, external-beam radiation therapy (XRT), cyclophosphamide, orantibodies such as OKT3 or CAMPATH. In another embodiment, the cells areisolated prior to and can be frozen for later use for treatmentfollowing B-cell ablative therapy such as agents that react with CD20,e.g., Rituxan.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, T cells are obtainedfrom a patient directly following treatment. In this regard, it has beenobserved that following certain cancer treatments, in particulartreatments with drugs that damage the immune system, shortly aftertreatment during the period when patients would normally be recoveringfrom the treatment, the quality of T cells obtained may be optimal orimproved for their ability to expand ex vivo. Likewise, following exvivo manipulation using the methods described herein, these cells may bein a preferred state for enhanced engraftment and in vivo expansion.Thus, it is contemplated within the context of the present invention tocollect blood cells, including T cells, dendritic cells, or other cellsof the hematopoietic lineage, during this recovery phase. Further, incertain embodiments, mobilization (for example, mobilization withGM-CSF) and conditioning regimens can be used to create a condition in asubject wherein repopulation, recirculation, regeneration, and/orexpansion of particular cell types is favored, especially during adefined window of time following therapy. Illustrative cell typesinclude T cells, B cells, dendritic cells, and other cells of the immunesystem.

Activation and Expansion of T Cells

Whether prior to or after genetic modification of the T cells to expressa desirable UnivIR, the T cells can be activated and expanded generallyusing methods as described, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,352,694;6,534,055; 6,905,680; 6,692,964; 5,858,358; 6,887,466; 6,905,681;7,144,575; 7,067,318; 7,172,869; 7,232,566; 7,175,843; 5,883,223;6,905,874; 6,797,514; 6,867,041; and U.S. Patent Application PublicationNo. 20060121005.

Generally, the T cells of the invention are expanded by contact with asurface having attached thereto an agent that stimulates a CD3/TCRcomplex associated signal and a ligand that stimulates a co-stimulatorymolecule on the surface of the T cells. In particular, T cellpopulations may be stimulated as described herein, such as by contactwith an anti-CD3 antibody, or antigen-binding fragment thereof, or ananti-CD2 antibody immobilized on a surface, or by contact with a proteinkinase C activator (e.g., bryostatin) in conjunction with a calciumionophore. For co-stimulation of an accessory molecule on the surface ofthe T cells, a ligand that binds the accessory molecule is used. Forexample, a population of T cells can be contacted with an anti-CD3antibody and an anti-CD28 antibody, under conditions appropriate forstimulating proliferation of the T cells. To stimulate proliferation ofeither CD4⁺ T cells or CD8⁺ T cells, an anti-CD3 antibody and ananti-CD28 antibody. Examples of an anti-CD28 antibody include 9.3, B-T3,XR-CD28 (Diaclone, Besançon, France) can be used as can other methodscommonly known in the art (Berg et al., Transplant Proc.30(8):3975-3977, 1998; Haanen et al., J. Exp. Med. 190(9):13191328,1999; Garland et al., J. Immunol. Meth. 227(1-2):53-63, 1999).

In certain embodiments, the primary stimulatory signal and theco-stimulatory signal for the T cell may be provided by differentprotocols. For example, the agents providing each signal may be insolution or coupled to a surface. When coupled to a surface, the agentsmay be coupled to the same surface (i.e., in “cis” formation) or toseparate surfaces (i.e., in “trans” formation). Alternatively, one agentmay be coupled to a surface and the other agent in solution. In oneembodiment, the agent providing the co-stimulatory signal is bound to acell surface and the agent providing the primary activation signal is insolution or coupled to a surface. In certain embodiments, both agentscan be in solution. In another embodiment, the agents may be in solubleform, and then cross-linked to a surface, such as a cell expressing Fcreceptors or an antibody or other binding agent which will bind to theagents. In this regard, see for example, U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication Nos. 20040101519 and 20060034810 for artificial antigenpresenting cells (aAPCs) that are contemplated for use in activating andexpanding T cells in the present invention.

In one embodiment, the two agents are immobilized on beads, either onthe same bead, i.e., “cis,” or to separate beads, i.e., “trans.” By wayof example, the agent providing the primary activation signal is ananti-CD3 antibody or an antigen-binding fragment thereof and the agentproviding the co-stimulatory signal is an anti-CD28 antibody orantigen-binding fragment thereof; and both agents are co-immobilized tothe same bead in equivalent molecular amounts. In one embodiment, a 1:1ratio of each antibody bound to the beads for CD4⁺ T cell expansion andT cell growth is used. In certain aspects of the present invention, aratio of anti CD3:CD28 antibodies bound to the beads is used such thatan increase in T cell expansion is observed as compared to the expansionobserved using a ratio of 1:1. In one particular embodiment an increaseof from about 1 to about 3 fold is observed as compared to the expansionobserved using a ratio of 1:1. In one embodiment, the ratio of CD3:CD28antibody bound to the beads ranges from 100:1 to 1:100 and all integervalues there between. In one aspect of the present invention, moreanti-CD28 antibody is bound to the particles than anti-CD3 antibody,i.e., the ratio of CD3:CD28 is less than one. In certain embodiments ofthe invention, the ratio of anti CD28 antibody to anti CD3 antibodybound to the beads is greater than 2:1. In one particular embodiment, a1:100 CD3:CD28 ratio of antibody bound to beads is used. In anotherembodiment, a 1:75 CD3:CD28 ratio of antibody bound to beads is used. Ina further embodiment, a 1:50 CD3:CD28 ratio of antibody bound to beadsis used. In another embodiment, a 1:30 CD3:CD28 ratio of antibody boundto beads is used. In one preferred embodiment, a 1:10 CD3:CD28 ratio ofantibody bound to beads is used. In another embodiment, a 1:3 CD3:CD28ratio of antibody bound to the beads is used. In yet another embodiment,a 3:1 CD3:CD28 ratio of antibody bound to the beads is used.

Ratios of particles to cells from 1:500 to 500:1 and any integer valuesin between may be used to stimulate T cells or other target cells. Asthose of ordinary skill in the art can readily appreciate, the ratio ofparticles to cells may depend on particle size relative to the targetcell. For example, small sized beads could only bind a few cells, whilelarger beads could bind many. In certain embodiments the ratio of cellsto particles ranges from 1:100 to 100:1 and any integer valuesin-between and in further embodiments the ratio comprises 1:9 to 9:1 andany integer values in between, can also be used to stimulate T cells.The ratio of anti-CD3- and anti-CD28-coupled particles to T cells thatresult in T cell stimulation can vary as noted above, however certainpreferred values include 1:100, 1:50, 1:40, 1:30, 1:20, 1:10, 1:9, 1:8,1:7, 1:6, 1:5, 1:4, 1:3, 1:2, 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, 4:1, 5:1, 6:1, 7:1, 8:1,9:1, 10:1, and 15:1 with one preferred ratio being at least 1:1particles per T cell. In one embodiment, a ratio of particles to cellsof 1:1 or less is used. In one particular embodiment, a preferredparticle: cell ratio is 1:5. In further embodiments, the ratio ofparticles to cells can be varied depending on the day of stimulation.For example, in one embodiment, the ratio of particles to cells is from1:1 to 10:1 on the first day and additional particles are added to thecells every day or every other day thereafter for up to 10 days, atfinal ratios of from 1:1 to 1:10 (based on cell counts on the day ofaddition). In one particular embodiment, the ratio of particles to cellsis 1:1 on the first day of stimulation and adjusted to 1:5 on the thirdand fifth days of stimulation. In another embodiment, particles areadded on a daily or every other day basis to a final ratio of 1:1 on thefirst day, and 1:5 on the third and fifth days of stimulation. Inanother embodiment, the ratio of particles to cells is 2:1 on the firstday of stimulation and adjusted to 1:10 on the third and fifth days ofstimulation. In another embodiment, particles are added on a daily orevery other day basis to a final ratio of 1:1 on the first day, and 1:10on the third and fifth days of stimulation. One of skill in the art willappreciate that a variety of other ratios may be suitable for use in thepresent invention. In particular, ratios will vary depending on particlesize and on cell size and type.

In further embodiments of the present invention, the cells, such as Tcells, are combined with agent-coated beads, the beads and the cells aresubsequently separated, and then the cells are cultured. In analternative embodiment, prior to culture, the agent-coated beads andcells are not separated but are cultured together. In a furtherembodiment, the beads and cells are first concentrated by application ofa force, such as a magnetic force, resulting in increased ligation ofcell surface markers, thereby inducing cell stimulation.

By way of example, cell surface proteins may be ligated by allowingparamagnetic beads to which anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 are attached (3×28beads) to contact the T cells. In one embodiment the cells (for example,10⁴ to 10⁹ T cells) and beads (for example, DYNABEADS® M-450 CD3/CD28 Tparamagnetic beads at a ratio of 1:1) are combined in a buffer,preferably PBS (without divalent cations such as, calcium andmagnesium). Again, those of ordinary skill in the art can readilyappreciate any cell concentration may be used. For example, the targetcell may be very rare in the sample and comprise only 0.01% of thesample or the entire sample (i.e., 100%) may comprise the target cell ofinterest. Accordingly, any cell number is within the context of thepresent invention. In certain embodiments, it may be desirable tosignificantly decrease the volume in which particles and cells are mixedtogether (i.e., increase the concentration of cells), to ensure maximumcontact of cells and particles. For example, in one embodiment, aconcentration of about 2 billion cells/ml is used. In anotherembodiment, greater than 100 million cells/ml is used. In a furtherembodiment, a concentration of cells of 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45,or 50 million cells/ml is used. In yet another embodiment, aconcentration of cells from 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, or 100 million cells/mlis used. In further embodiments, concentrations of 125 or 150 millioncells/ml can be used. Using high concentrations can result in increasedcell yield, cell activation, and cell expansion. Further, use of highcell concentrations allows more efficient capture of cells that mayweakly express target antigens of interest, such as CD28-negative Tcells. Such populations of cells may have therapeutic value and would bedesirable to obtain in certain embodiments. For example, using highconcentration of cells allows more efficient selection of CD8+ T cellsthat normally have weaker CD28 expression.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the mixture may be culturedfor several hours (about 3 hours) to about 14 days or any hourly integervalue in between. In another embodiment, the mixture may be cultured for21 days. In one embodiment of the invention the beads and the T cellsare cultured together for about eight days. In another embodiment, thebeads and T cells are cultured together for 2-3 days. Several cycles ofstimulation may also be desired such that culture time of T cells can be60 days or more. Conditions appropriate for T cell culture include anappropriate media (e.g., Minimal Essential Media or RPMI Media 1640 or,X-vivo 15, (Lonza)) that may contain factors necessary for proliferationand viability, including serum (e.g., fetal bovine or human serum),interleukin-2 (IL-2), insulin, IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-7, GM-CSF, IL-10, IL-12,IL-15, TGFβ, and TNF-α or any other additives for the growth of cellsknown to the skilled artisan. Other additives for the growth of cellsinclude, but are not limited to, surfactant, plasmanate, and reducingagents such as N-acetyl-cysteine and 2-mercaptoethanol. Media caninclude RPMI 1640, AIM-V, DMEM, MEM, α-MEM, F-12, X-Vivo 15, and X-Vivo20, Optimizer, with added amino acids, sodium pyruvate, and vitamins,either serum-free or supplemented with an appropriate amount of serum(or plasma) or a defined set of hormones, and/or an amount ofcytokine(s) sufficient for the growth and expansion of T cells.Antibiotics, e.g., penicillin and streptomycin, are included only inexperimental cultures, not in cultures of cells that are to be infusedinto a subject. The target cells are maintained under conditionsnecessary to support growth, for example, an appropriate temperature(e.g., 37° C.) and atmosphere (e.g., air plus 5% CO₂).

T cells that have been exposed to varied stimulation times may exhibitdifferent characteristics. For example, typical blood or apheresedperipheral blood mononuclear cell products have a helper T cellpopulation (T_(H), CD4⁺) that is greater than the cytotoxic orsuppressor T cell population (T_(C), CD8⁺). Ex vivo expansion of T cellsby stimulating CD3 and CD28 receptors produces a population of T cellsthat prior to about days 8-9 consists predominately of T_(H) cells,while after about days 8-9, the population of T cells comprises anincreasingly greater population of T_(C) cells. Accordingly, dependingon the purpose of treatment, infusing a subject with a T cell populationcomprising predominately of T_(H) cells may be advantageous. Similarly,if an antigen-specific subset of T_(C) cells has been isolated it may bebeneficial to expand this subset to a greater degree.

Further, in addition to CD4 and CD8 markers, other phenotypic markersvary significantly, but in large part, reproducibly during the course ofthe cell expansion process. Thus, such reproducibility enables theability to tailor an activated T cell product for specific purposes.

Therapeutic Application

The present invention encompasses a cell (e.g., T cell) modified toexpress a UnivIR that combines a label binding domain with anintracellular domain of a T cell receptor. In some instances, the UnivIRfurther comprises an intracellular domain of one or more co-stimulatorymolecule. Therefore, in some instances, the modified T cell can elicit aUnivIR-mediated T-cell response.

The invention provides the use of a UnivIR to redirect the specificityof a primary T cell to a labeled antigen. Thus, the present inventionalso provides a method for stimulating a T cell-mediated immune responseto a target cell population or tissue in a mammal comprising the stepsof labeling the target antigen and administering to the mammal a T cellthat expresses a UnivIR, wherein the UnivIR comprises a binding moietythat specifically interacts with the labeled target, an intracellulardomain of a TCR (e.g., intracellular domain of human CD3zeta), and acostimulatory signaling region.

[[In one embodiment, labeling of the target antigen comprisesadministering to the mammal an antigen binding composition whichcomprises a label. Administration of the T cell and the labeling of theantigen may occur in any order. For example, in one embodiment, thelabeled antigen binding composition is administered to the mammal priorto administration of the T cell. In another embodiment, the T cell isadministered to the mammal prior to administration of the labeledantigen binding composition.

The labeled antigen binding compositions may be administered to asubject using modes and techniques known to the skilled artisan.Exemplary modes include, but are not limited to subcutaneously,intradermally, intratumorally, intranodally, intramedullary,intramuscularly, by intravenous (i.v.) injection, intra-arterial,intracardiac, intra-articular, intrasynovial, intracranial, intraspinal,intrathecal or intraperitoneally. In one embodiment, the labeledcompositions are administered to a patient by intradermal orsubcutaneous injection. In another embodiment, the labeled compositionsof the present invention are preferably administered by i.v. injection.The labeled compositions may be injected directly into a tumor, lymphnode, or site of infection. The labeled compositions are administered inan amount which is effective for labeling the target antigen and iseffective for treating the patient. The particular amount administeredto the subject will vary between wide limits, depending upon thelocation, source, identity, extent and severity of the disorder, the ageand condition of the individual to be treated, etc.]]

In one embodiment, the present invention includes a type of cellulartherapy where T cells are genetically modified to express a UnivIR andthe UnivIR T cell is infused to a recipient in need thereof. The infusedcell is able to kill tumor cells in the recipient Unlike antibodytherapies, UnivIR T cells are able to replicate in vivo resulting inlong-term persistence that can lead to sustained tumor control.

While the data disclosed herein specifically disclose lentiviral vectorsencoding a dimerized avidin domain, along with human CD8a hinge andtransmembrane domain, and human CD28 and CD3zeta signaling domains, theinvention should be construed to include any number of variations foreach of the components of the construct as described elsewhere herein.That is, the invention includes the use of any label binding domain inthe UnivIR to generate a UnivIR-mediated T-cell response specific to atarget antigen.

The present invention also provides a method of simultaneously targetinga plurality of targets. For example, in one embodiment, a plurality ofantigens are labeled, either directly or indirectly. For example, in oneembodiment, a plurality of labeled antigen binding compositions,specific for each of the plurality of antigens, is administered to themammal Administration of a genetically modified T cell expressing aUnivIR comprising a label binding domain allows for the targeting of themodified T cells to each of the plurality of labeled antigens.

The present invention also provides a method of sequential targeting ofa plurality of targets. For example, in one embodiment, a first antigenis labeled, either directly or indirectly. For example, in oneembodiment, a first labeled antigen binding composition, specific forthe first antigen, is administered to the mammal. In one embodiment, themethod comprises administering of a genetically modified T cellexpressing a UnivIR comprising a label binding domain, thereby targetingthe T cell to the first labeled antigen. In one embodiment, the methodcomprises labeling a second antigen, either directly or indirectly. Forexample, in one embodiment, a second labeled antigen bindingcomposition, specific for the second antigen, is administered to themammal. Genetically modified T cells expressing the UnivIR comprising alabel binding domain is thus also directed to the second labeledantigen. In one embodiment, the method comprises allowing sufficienttime to elapse between administration of the first and second labeledantigen binding composition, to allow for clearance of cells expressingthe first antigen prior to directing the T cell to the second antigen.As would be understood by those skilled in the art, the method of theinvention encompasses further iterations for the targeting of additionaltarget antigens.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of using aUnivIR to target a labeled antigen for treating cancer. Cancers that maybe treated include tumors that are not vascularized, or not yetsubstantially vascularized, as well as vascularized tumors. The cancersmay comprise non-solid tumors (such as hematological tumors, forexample, leukemias and lymphomas) or may comprise solid tumors. Types ofcancers to be treated with the UnivIRs of the invention include, but arenot limited to, carcinoma, blastoma, and sarcoma, and certain leukemiaor lymphoid malignancies, benign and malignant tumors, and malignanciese.g., sarcomas, carcinomas, and melanomas. Adult tumors/cancers andpediatric tumors/cancers are also included.

Hematologic cancers are cancers of the blood or bone marrow. Examples ofhematological (or hematogenous) cancers include leukemias, includingacute leukemias (such as acute lymphocytic leukemia, acute myelocyticleukemia, acute myelogenous leukemia and myeloblastic, promyelocytic,myelomonocytic, monocytic and erythroleukemia), chronic leukemias (suchas chronic myelocytic (granulocytic) leukemia, chronic myelogenousleukemia, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia), polycythemia vera,lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (indolent and highgrade forms), multiple myeloma, Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia, heavychain disease, myelodysplastic syndrome, hairy cell leukemia andmyelodysplasia.

Solid tumors are abnormal masses of tissue that usually do not containcysts or liquid areas. Solid tumors can be benign or malignant.Different types of solid tumors are named for the type of cells thatform them (such as sarcomas, carcinomas, and lymphomas). Examples ofsolid tumors, such as sarcomas and carcinomas, include fibrosarcoma,myxosarcoma, liposarcoma, chondrosarcoma, osteosarcoma, and othersarcomas, synovioma, mesothelioma, Ewing's tumor, leiomyosarcoma,rhabdomyosarcoma, colon carcinoma, lymphoid malignancy, pancreaticcancer, breast cancer, lung cancers, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer,hepatocellular carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma,adenocarcinoma, sweat gland carcinoma, medullary thyroid carcinoma,papillary thyroid carcinoma, pheochromocytomas sebaceous glandcarcinoma, papillary carcinoma, papillary adenocarcinomas, medullarycarcinoma, bronchogenic carcinoma, renal cell carcinoma, hepatoma, bileduct carcinoma, choriocarcinoma, Wilms' tumor, cervical cancer,testicular tumor, seminoma, bladder carcinoma, melanoma, and CNS tumors(such as a glioma (such as brainstem glioma and mixed gliomas),glioblastoma (also known as glioblastoma multiforme) astrocytoma, CNSlymphoma, germinoma, medulloblastoma, Schwannoma craniopharyogioma,ependymoma, pinealoma, hemangioblastoma, acoustic neuroma,oligodendroglioma, menangioma, neuroblastoma, retinoblastoma and brainmetastases). In one embodiment, the present invention provides a methodof using the UnivIR to target an antigen associated with a virus,bacteria, parasite, or other infection in order to treat the infection.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of using theUnivIR to target a self antigen to treat an autoimmune disorder. In oneembodiment, the method comprises genetically modifying animmunosuppressive T regulatory cell to express a UnivIR comprising alabel binding domain. In one embodiment comprises labeling a selfantigen with a label and administering a T regulatory cell modified toexpress a UnivIR comprising a label binding domain. In one embodiment,targeting of the T regulatory cell to the self antigen reduces theautoimmune response directed to the self antigen. For example, in oneembodiment, activation of the genetically modified T regulatory cell viabinding to the targeted self antigen reduces cytolytic T cellproliferation. Non-limiting examples of autoimmune disorders treatableby way of the present invention includes multiple sclerosis,inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis,graft-versus-host disease, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, dermatitis,autoimmune type I diabetes, systemic lupus erythematosus, Hashimoto'sthyroiditis, myasthenia gravis, and the like. A would be understood bythe skilled artisan, the present invention is useful for treating anyautoimmune disorder characterized by an autoimmune response against aself antigen. The present invention encompasses treatment of autoimmunedisorders where the self antigen is currently known, and where the selfantigen is elucidated in the future.

However, the invention should not be construed to be limited to solelyto the antigen targets and diseases disclosed herein. Rather, theinvention should be construed to include any antigenic target that isassociated with a disease where a UnivIR can be used to treat thedisease.

The UnivIR-modified T cells of the invention may also serve as a type ofvaccine for ex vivo immunization and/or in vivo therapy in a mammal.Preferably, the mammal is a human.

With respect to ex vivo immunization, at least one of the followingoccurs in vitro prior to administering the cell into a mammal: i)expansion of the cells, ii) introducing a nucleic acid encoding a UnivIRto the cells, and/or iii) cryopreservation of the cells.

Ex vivo procedures are well known in the art and are discussed morefully below. Briefly, cells are isolated from a mammal (preferably ahuman) and genetically modified (i.e., transduced or transfected invitro) with a vector expressing a UnivIR disclosed herein. TheUnivIR-modified cell can be administered to a mammalian recipient toprovide a therapeutic benefit. The mammalian recipient may be a humanand the UnivIR-modified cell can be autologous with respect to therecipient. Alternatively, the cells can be allogeneic, syngeneic orxenogeneic with respect to the recipient.

The procedure for ex vivo expansion of hematopoietic stem and progenitorcells is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,199,942, incorporated herein byreference, can be applied to the cells of the present invention. Othersuitable methods are known in the art, therefore the present inventionis not limited to any particular method of ex vivo expansion of thecells. Briefly, ex vivo culture and expansion of T cells comprises: (1)collecting CD34+ hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells from a mammalfrom peripheral blood harvest or bone marrow explants; and (2) expandingsuch cells ex vivo. In addition to the cellular growth factors describedin U.S. Pat. No. 5,199,942, other factors such as flt3-L, IL-1, IL-3 andc-kit ligand, can be used for culturing and expansion of the cells.

In addition to using a cell-based vaccine in terms of ex vivoimmunization, the present invention also provides compositions andmethods for in vivo immunization to elicit an immune response directedagainst an antigen in a patient.

Generally, the cells activated and expanded as described herein may beutilized in the treatment and prevention of diseases that arise inindividuals who are immunocompromised. In particular, theUnivIR-modified T cells of the invention are used in the treatment ofcancer. In certain embodiments, the cells of the invention are used inthe treatment of patients at risk for developing cancer. Thus, thepresent invention provides methods for the treatment or prevention ofcancer comprising administering to a subject in need thereof, atherapeutically effective amount of the UnivIR-modified T cells of theinvention.

The UnivIR-modified T cells of the present invention may be administeredeither alone, or as a pharmaceutical composition in combination withdiluents and/or with other components such as IL-2 or other cytokines orcell populations. Briefly, pharmaceutical compositions of the presentinvention may comprise a target cell population as described herein, incombination with one or more pharmaceutically or physiologicallyacceptable carriers, diluents or excipients. Such compositions maycomprise buffers such as neutral buffered saline, phosphate bufferedsaline and the like; carbohydrates such as glucose, mannose, sucrose ordextrans, mannitol; proteins; polypeptides or amino acids such asglycine; antioxidants; chelating agents such as EDTA or glutathione;adjuvants (e.g., aluminum hydroxide); and preservatives. Compositions ofthe present invention are preferably formulated for intravenousadministration.

Pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention may be administeredin a manner appropriate to the disease to be treated (or prevented). Thequantity and frequency of administration will be determined by suchfactors as the condition of the patient, and the type and severity ofthe patient's disease, although appropriate dosages may be determined byclinical trials.

When “an immunologically effective amount”, “an anti-tumor effectiveamount”, “an tumor-inhibiting effective amount”, or “therapeutic amount”is indicated, the precise amount of the compositions of the presentinvention to be administered can be determined by a physician withconsideration of individual differences in age, weight, tumor size,extent of infection or metastasis, and condition of the patient(subject). It can generally be stated that a pharmaceutical compositioncomprising the T cells described herein may be administered at a dosageof 10⁴ to 10⁹ cells/kg body weight, preferably 10⁵ to 10⁶ cells/kg bodyweight, including all integer values within those ranges. T cellcompositions may also be administered multiple times at these dosages.The cells can be administered by using infusion techniques that arecommonly known in immunotherapy (see, e.g., Rosenberg et al., New Eng.J. of Med. 319:1676, 1988). The optimal dosage and treatment regime fora particular patient can readily be determined by one skilled in the artof medicine by monitoring the patient for signs of disease and adjustingthe treatment accordingly.

In certain embodiments, it may be desired to administer activated Tcells to a subject and then subsequently redraw blood (or have anapheresis performed), activate T cells therefrom according to thepresent invention, and reinfuse the patient with these activated andexpanded T cells. This process can be carried out multiple times everyfew weeks. In certain embodiments, T cells can be activated from blooddraws of from 10 cc to 400 cc. In certain embodiments, T cells areactivated from blood draws of 20 cc, 30 cc, 40 cc, 50 cc, 60 cc, 70 cc,80 cc, 90 cc, or 100 cc. Not to be bound by theory, using this multipleblood draw/multiple reinfusion protocol may serve to select out certainpopulations of T cells.

The administration of the subject compositions may be carried out in anyconvenient manner, including by aerosol inhalation, injection,ingestion, transfusion, implantation or transplantation. Thecompositions described herein may be administered to a patientsubcutaneously, intradermally, intratumorally, intranodally,intramedullary, intramuscularly, by intravenous (i.v.) injection, orintraperitoneally. In one embodiment, the T cell compositions of thepresent invention are administered to a patient by intradermal orsubcutaneous injection. In another embodiment, the T cell compositionsof the present invention are preferably administered by i.v. injection.The compositions of T cells may be injected directly into a tumor, lymphnode, or site of infection.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, cells activated andexpanded using the methods described herein, or other methods known inthe art where T cells are expanded to therapeutic levels, areadministered to a patient in conjunction with (e.g., before,simultaneously or following) any number of relevant treatmentmodalities, including but not limited to treatment with agents such asantiviral therapy, cidofovir and interleukin-2, Cytarabine (also knownas ARA-C) or natalizumab treatment for MS patients or efalizumabtreatment for psoriasis patients or other treatments for PML patients.In further embodiments, the T cells of the invention may be used incombination with chemotherapy, radiation, immunosuppressive agents, suchas cyclosporin, azathioprine, methotrexate, mycophenolate, and FK506,antibodies, or other immunoablative agents such as CAM PATH, anti-CD3antibodies or other antibody therapies, cytoxin, fludaribine,cyclosporin, FK506, rapamycin, mycophenolic acid, steroids, FR901228,cytokines, and irradiation. These drugs inhibit either the calciumdependent phosphatase calcineurin (cyclosporine and FK506) or inhibitthe p70S6 kinase that is important for growth factor induced signaling(rapamycin) (Liu et al., Cell 66:807-815, 1991; Henderson et al., Immun.73:316-321, 1991; Bierer et al., Curr. Opin. Immun. 5:763-773, 1993). Ina further embodiment, the cell compositions of the present invention areadministered to a patient in conjunction with (e.g., before,simultaneously or following) bone marrow transplantation, T cellablative therapy using either chemotherapy agents such as, fludarabine,external-beam radiation therapy (XRT), cyclophosphamide, or antibodiessuch as OKT3 or CAMPATH. In another embodiment, the cell compositions ofthe present invention are administered following B-cell ablative therapysuch as agents that react with CD20, e.g., Rituxan. For example, in oneembodiment, subjects may undergo standard treatment with high dosechemotherapy followed by peripheral blood stem cell transplantation. Incertain embodiments, following the transplant, subjects receive aninfusion of the expanded immune cells of the present invention. In anadditional embodiment, expanded cells are administered before orfollowing surgery.

The dosage of the above treatments to be administered to a patient willvary with the precise nature of the condition being treated and therecipient of the treatment. The scaling of dosages for humanadministration can be performed according to art-accepted practices.Strategies for T cell dosing and scheduling have been discussed (Ertl etal, 2011, Cancer Res, 71:3175-81; Junghans, 2010, Journal ofTranslational Medicine, 8:55).

Screening

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method for screeningpotential antigen binding compositions, including for example,antibodies, peptides, oligonucleotides, ribozymes, aptamers, and thelike. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a T cellmodified to express a UnivIR comprising a label binding domain is usedscreen labeled compositions for the ability of the composition to bindto the target antigen. In one embodiment, a cell based assay comprisingthe UnivIR-expressing modified T cell is used to screen compositions. Inone embodiment, the assay comprises administering a labeled compositionto the assay and detecting a detectable response induced by the T cell.For example, in one embodiment, the assay comprises detecting theactivation of the T cell. In another embodiment, the assay comprisesdetecting the level of secreted cytokines. In one embodiment, the targetantigen, for which an antigen binding composition is sought, isimmobilized on a surface, for example a cell culture plate or a bead. Inanother embodiment, the assay comprises a cell expressing the targetantigen.

EXPERIMENTAL EXAMPLES

The invention is further described in detail by reference to thefollowing experimental examples. These examples are provided forpurposes of illustration only, and are not intended to be limitingunless otherwise specified. Thus, the invention should in no way beconstrued as being limited to the following examples, but rather, shouldbe construed to encompass any and all variations which become evident asa result of the teaching provided herein.

Without further description, it is believed that one of ordinary skillin the art can, using the preceding description and the followingillustrative examples, make and utilize the compounds of the presentinvention and practice the claimed methods. The following workingexamples therefore, specifically point out the preferred embodiments ofthe present invention, and are not to be construed as limiting in anyway the remainder of the disclosure.

Example 1 A Universal Strategy for Adoptive Immunotherapy of CancerThrough Use of a Novel T-Cell Antigen Receptor

As described herein, a novel strategy to extend the recognitionspecificity potential of a bioengineered lymphocyte population has beendemonstrated, which allows for flexible approaches to redirect T cellsagainst various tumor associated antigens (TAAs). This strategy employeda biotin-binding immune receptor (BBIR) composed of anextracellular-modified avidin linked to an intracellular T cellsignaling domain BBIR T cells recognized and bound exclusively to cancercells pre-targeted with specific biotinylated molecules. The versatilityafforded by BBIRs permitted sequential or simultaneous targeting of acombination of distinct antigens. Together, these findings demonstratethat a platform of universal T cell specificity can significantly extendbeyond conventional CAR approaches, permitting the tailored generationof T cells of unlimited antigen specificity for improving theeffectiveness of adoptive T cell immunotherapies for cancer.

Briefly, experiments were designed to overcome restrictions of currentgene-engineered cellular therapy which is restricted in antigenspecificity, patient accessibility, and tumor type. Primary human Tcells were outfitted with a universal immune receptor redirected againstbiotinylated antigen-specific molecules (biotin binding immune receptor;BBIR). BBIR T cells specifically recognized and were activated byvarious biotinylated molecules, including scFvs and antibodies, thatwere either immobilized on a plate, specifically bound to immobilizedantigen or bound to antigen-expressing tumor cells (FIG. 1, upperpanel). Redirection of BBIR T cells against protein antigens wasdependent upon intermediate interaction with bound biotinylatedantigen-binding molecules; non-binding biotinylated molecules had noeffect. Importantly, addition of soluble biotin to cultures atphysiological levels found in human serum had no inhibitory effect onthe specific immunoactivation of BBIR T cells. Furthermore, solublebiotin alone did not cause antigen-independent activation of BBIRs,indicating the need for immobilization and BBIR cross-linking.

BBIR T cells were immunoreactive against tumor-associated antigens(TAAs) expressed on the cell surface, as demonstrated by theirproduction of Th1 cytokines and cytolytic activity when stimulated withovarian cancer cells painted with a biotinylated anti-EpCAM antibody. Anotable secondary benefit to the BBIR platform was its applicability forrapid screening of scFvs to be used in UnivIR construction (FIG. 1,lower). Here, a biotinylated anti-mesothelin scFv permitted BBIR T cellredirection to mesothelin-expressing cancer cells and predicted itsutility in a UnivIR construct (Bergan et al., 2007, Cancer Lett.255:263-274; Lanitis et al., 2012, Mol. Ther. 20:633-643).

The materials and methods employed in these experiments are nowdescribed.

Materials and Methods

Biotin-Binding Immune Receptor Construction

Monomeric avidin, DNA sequence was amplified from cDNA obtained fromchicken oviduct using primers: 5′-AAAAGCCTAGGATCC-3′(SEQ ID NO: 1) and5′-AACCGCGCTAGCAAA-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 2). The nucleotide sequence for thedimeric form of chicken avidin (dcAv) was selected fromDDBJ/GenBank™/EBI Data Bank (accessing number AJ616762). After codonoptimization for humans and the insertion of 3′-Bam-H1 and 5′-Nhe-1restriction, the construct was purchased from GeneArt and amplifiedusing primers: 5′-AAAGGATCCGCTAGAAAGAGAAC-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 3) and5′-AAAGCTAGCCTCGGAGAACTTCC-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 4). PCR products were digestedwith Bam-HI and NheI enzymes and ligated into pELNS, a third generationself-inactivating lentiviral expression vector, containing human CD3z orCD28-CD3z signaling endodomains, under an EF-1a promoter. The resultingconstructs were designated pELNS GFP 2A mcAv. BBIR-z/CD28z and pELNSdcAv.BBIR-z/CD28z, respectively.

TABLE 1 Sequence identifiers for BBIR constructs SEQ ID NO: # IDENTITYSEQ ID NO: 5 dcAV BBIR-Zeta (amino acid sequence) SEQ ID NO: 6 dcAVBBIR-28zeta (amino acid sequence) SEQ ID NO: 7 dcAV BBIR-4-1BB (aminoacid sequence) SEQ ID NO: 8 mcAv BBIR-28z (amino acid sequence) SEQ IDNO: 9 mcAV BBIR-Zeta (amino acid sequence) SEQ ID NO: 10 mcAv BBIR-4-1BB(amimo acid sequence)t SEQ ID NO: 11 dcAV BBIR-Zeta (nucleic acidsequence) SEQ ID NO: 12 dcAV BBIR-28zeta (nucleic acid sequence) SEQ IDNO: 13 dcAV BBIR-4-1BB (nucleic acid sequence) SEQ ID NO: 14 mcAvBBIR-28z (nucleic acid sequence) SEQ ID NO: 15 mcAV BBIR-Zeta (nucleicacid sequence) SEQ ID NO: 16 mcAv BBIR-4-1BB (nucleic acid sequence) SEQID NO: 17 CD8 leader (amino acid sequence) SEQ ID NO: 18 Dual ChainAvidin (amino acid sequence) SEQ ID NO: 19 CD8a Hinge (amino acidsequence) SEQ ID NO: 20 CD8 TM (amino acid sequence) SEQ ID NO: 21 CD3zICD (amino acid sequence) SEQ ID NO: 22 CD28 TM (amimo acid sequence)tSEQ ID NO: 23 CD28 ICD (amino acid sequence) SEQ ID NO: 24 4-1BB ICD(amino acid sequence) SEQ ID NO: 25 Monomer chicken Avidin (amino acidsequence) SEQ ID NO: 26 CD8 leader (nucleic acid sequence) SEQ ID NO: 27Dual Chain Avidin (nucleic acid sequence) SEQ ID NO: 28 CD8a Hinge(nucleic acid sequence) SEQ ID NO: 29 CD8 TM (nucleic acid sequence) SEQID NO: 30 CD3z ICD (nucleic acid sequence) SEQ ID NO: 31 CD28 TM(nucleic acid sequence) SEQ ID NO: 32 CD28 ICD (nucleic acid sequence)SEQ ID NO: 33 4-1BB ICD (nucleic acid sequence) SEQ ID NO: 34 Monomerchicken Avidin (nucleic acid sequence)

Recombinant Lentivirus Production

High-titer replication-defective lentiviral vectors were produced andconcentrated as previously described (Song et al., 2011, Cancer Res.71:4617-1627; Perez et al., 2005, Clin. Immunol. 115:26-32). Briefly,293T human embryonic kidney cells were transfected with pVSV-G (VSVglycoprotein expression plasmid), pRSV.REV (Rev expression plasmid),pMDLg/p.RRE (Gag/Pol expression plasmid), and pELNS transfer plasmidusing Express Inn (Open Biosystems). The viral supernatant was harvestedat 24 and 48 h post-transfection. Viral particles were concentrated andresuspended in 0.5 ml by ultracentrifugation for 2.5 h at 25,000 rpmwith a Beckman SW28 rotor (Beckman Coulter, Fullerton, Calif.).

T Cells

Primary human CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were isolated from healthy volunteerdonors following leukapheresis by negative selection, and purchased fromthe Human Immunology Core at University of Pennsylvania. All specimenswere collected under a University Institutional Review Board-approvedprotocol, and written informed consent was obtained from each donor. Tcells were cultured in complete media (RPMI 1640 supplemented with 10%heat inactivated fetal bovine serum (FBS), 100 U/ml penicillin, 100ug/ml streptomycin sulfate, 10-mM HEPES), and stimulated with anti-CD3and anti-CD28 mAbs coated beads (Invitrogen) as described. 24 hr afteractivation, T cells were transduced with lentiviral vectors at MOI of˜5-10. CD4+ and CD8+ T cells used for in vivo experiments were mixed ata 1:1 ratio, activated, and transduced. Human recombinant interleukin-2(IL-2; Novartis) was added every other day to 50 IU/ml finalconcentration and a 0.5-1×10⁶ cells/ml cell density was maintained.Rested engineered T cells were adjusted for identical transgeneexpression prior to functional assays.

Cell Lines

Lentivirus packaging was performed in the immortalized normal fetalrenal 293T cell line purchased from ATCC. Human cell lines used inimmune based assays include the established human ovarian cancer celllines A1847, and mouse malignant mesothelioma cell line, AE17, wastransduced with lentivirus to express human mesothelin (AE17-M) or FRα(AE17-FRα). 293T cells and tumor cell lines were maintained in RPMI-1640(Invitrogen) supplemented with 10% (v/v) heat-inactivated FBS, 2 mML-glutamine, and 100μg/mL penicillin and 100 U/mL streptomycin.Functional assays were performed in biotin free DMEM medium (Invitorgen)supplemented as described above. All cell lines were purchased fromATCC.

Biotin Binding Analysis

Flow cytometry was performed as described elsewhere herein. In brief,1×10⁶ mcAV.BBIR-z, dcAv.BBIR-z or mock-transfected T cells wereincubated (30 min, 37° C.) with biotin-APC (100 ng/ml) or P4 Biobody(100 ng/ml) in PBS. Cells were washed twice with PBS, and analyzed byFACS. For each sample 10000 cells were counted and analyzed. Binding ofbiotinylated antibodies to biotin binding immune receptor was alsoassessed by ELISA. 96-well flat-bottomed microtiter plates (MaxiSorpImmuno microwell plates, Nunc, Roskilde, Denmark) were coated(overnight, 4° C.) with recombinant human mesothelin (1 μg/ml) in 50 μlcoating buffer per well. Plates were washed twice in PBS and 1×10⁵ BBIR⁺or control T cells were administered per well, previously labeled withanimesothelin biotinylated antibodies (as described elsewhere herein forbinding assay). After 16 hours, co-culture supernatants were assayed forpresence of IFNγ using an ELISA Kit, according to manufacturer'sinstructions (Biolegend). Values represent the mean of triplicate wells.

Sequential Targeting Assay

To demonstrate sequential killing of target cells by BBIRs(dcAvBBIR-28z), ovarian cancer cell line expressing EpCAM and FRα, A1847was transduced with lentiviral vector encoding for GFP. Target tumorcell lines A1847/GFP/EpCAM⁺/FRα⁺ and AE17/FRα⁺ were mixed at a 1:1ratio. For EpCAM redirected killing (first target), tumor cells wereincubated with anti-EpCAM biotinylated antibody (100 ng/1×10⁶ cells) for30 minutes at 37° C., washed and resuspended at 10×10⁶ cells/ml in DMEMmedium (Gibco/Invitrogen, Carlsbad, Calif.). Following 10 houreffector:target (5:1) incubation at 37° C. cells were used for FACSanalysis. For sequential redirecting against second target FRαexpressing tumor cells, remaining tumor cells were harvested, washed andanti-FRα biotinylated antibody was added into the culture (10 ng/ml).Following 10 hour remaining cells were harvested and FACS analysis onCD3 negative population was performed.

Cytokine Release Assays

Cytokine release assays were performed by co-culture of 1×10⁵ BBIR+ Tcells with immobilized Bio-IgG1 or IgG1 as well with Bio-K1, P4 Biobody(100 ng/ml) labeled immobilized recombinant human mesothelin (10ng/well) or 1×10⁵ target cells labeled with antigen specific antibodiesat 100 ng/10⁶ cells for 30 min at 4° C., per well in triplicate in96-well round bottom plates, in a final volume of 200 μl of T cellmedia. After 16 hours, co-culture supernatants were assayed for presenceof IFNγ using an ELISA Kit, according to manufacturer's instructions(Biolegend). Values represent the mean of triplicate wells. IL-2, IL-4,IL-10, TNF-α and MIP-1a cytokines were measured by flow cytometry usingCytokine Bead Array, according to manufacturer's instructions (BDBiosciences).

Cytotoxic Assays

⁵¹Cr release assays were performed as described. Target cells werelabeled with the following antibodies; biotinylated-EpCAM and EpCAM(BioLegends) or biotinylated-K1 and K1 (Bio-Legends) at 100 ng per 10⁶cells for 30 minutes at 37° C. in PBS/2% FBS. Next, antibody-labeledcells were labeled with 100uCi 100mCi ⁵¹Cr at 37° C. for 1.5 hours.Target cells were washed three times in PBS, resuspended in CM at 10⁵viable cells/mL and 100 uL added per well of a 96-well V-bottom plate.Effector cells were washed twice in CM and added to wells at the givenratios. Plates were quickly centrifuged to settle cells, and incubatedat 37° C. in a 5% CO₂ incubator for 4 or 18 hours after which time thesupernatants were harvested, transferred to a lumar-plate (Packard) andcounted using a 1450 Microbeta Liquid Scintillation Counter(Perkin-Elmer). Spontaneous ⁵¹Cr release was evaluated in target cellsincubated with medium alone. Maximal ⁵¹Cr release was measured in targetcells incubated with SDS at a final concentration of 2% (v/v). Percentspecific lysis was calculated as (experimental−spontaneouslysis/maximal−spontaneous lysis) times 100.

Xenograft Model of Ovarian Cancer

All animals were obtained from the Stem Cell and Xenograft Core of theAbramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania. Six to 12-week-oldNOD/SCID/γ-chain−/−(NSG) mice were bred, treated and maintained underpathogen-free conditions in-house under University of Pennsylvania IACUCapproved protocols. For an established ovarian cancer model, 6 to12-week-old female NSG mice were inoculated s.c. with 5×10⁶ A1847 fLuc+cells on the flank on day 0. After tumors become palpable at about 1month, human primary T cell (CD4+ and CD8+ T cells used were mixed at a1:1 ratio) were activated, and transduced as described above. After 2weeks of T cell expansion, when the tumor burden was ˜150-200 mm³, micewere treated IT with T cells and antibodies (days 45, 48 and 51), orantibodies only (100 ng/day on days 56 and 60). Tumor dimensions weremeasured with calipers, and tumor volumes calculated using the formulaV=½(length×width²), where length is the greatest longitudinal diameterand width is the greatest transverse diameter. In all models, 4 micewere randomized per group prior to treatment.

Flow Cytometric Analysis

The following mAbs were used for phenotypic analysis: APC-Cy7 MouseAnti-Human CD3; FITC-anti-human CD4; APC-anti-human CD8; (BDBiosciences). Tumor cell surface expression of FR was detected byMov18/ZEL antibody (Enzo Life Sciences), mesothelin by biotinylated P4Biobody followed by incubation with Strepavidin-APC and/or biotinylatedanti-mesothelin K1 antibody (BioLegend), EpCAM by biotinylatedani-EpCAM. UnivIR expression was detected by FITC-anti-Avidin antibody(LifeBioscience) at 10 ng per 10⁶ cells. PE-conjugated anti-Bcl-X_(L)antibody was purchased from Southern Biotech. Isotype matched controlAbs were used in all analyses. Flow cytometric data were analyzed byFlowJo software.

Statistical Analysis

Data are expressed as mean±SEM of n experiments. Statistical evaluationwas performed by using 2-tailed Student's t test. P values less than0.05 were considered significant.

The results of the experiments are now described.

Development of a Novel Universal Immune Receptor for Antigen Targeting

To extend specificity of bioengineered T cells, a universalimmune-receptor was developed for flexibility in targeting multiple anddiverse antigens of virtually any specificity. A series of pELNS-basedrecombinant lentiviral vectors were generated encoding a biotin bindingimmune-receptor (BBIR) comprising extracellular avidin in monomeric(mcAv) or dimeric (dcAv) form, linked to the intracellular human CD3-zchain signaling domain alone or in tandem with CD28, via a CD8α hingeand transmembrane region (FIG. 2A). Lentiviral vectors encoding ananti-mesothelin CAR containing CD28/CD3z endodomains (P4-28Z), or GFPwere used as antigen specificity controls (Lanitis et al., 2012, Mol.Ther. 20:633-643). Surface expression of the lentivirus encoded vectorsin transduced primary human T cells was determined by flow cytometry.After transduction, BBIR-expressing vectors render efficient transgeneexpression by CD3/CD28-activated T cells at a range of 60%-80% (FIG.2B).

To be relevant for tumor therapy, an immune-receptor must be able toredirect the specificity of primary T cells against antigen. First, theability of BBIR T cells to bind to various biotinylated antigen-specificmolecules, including full length antibodies (Ab) and/or scFvs, wasevaluated. Biotin-redirected dcAv.BBIR T cells secrete IFNγ cytokinewhen stimulated with immobilized biotinylated molecules: in vivobiotinylated scFv (referred to as a biobody) (Green et al., 1973,Biochem. J. 133:687-700) or chemically biotinylated-IgG1 (Bio-IgG1), butnot against unlabeled scFv or IgG1 (FIG. 2C). In contrast, mcAv.BBIRzand GFP transduced T cells do not show specific immune-reactivity. Thelack of immune-recognition of biotin by mcAv.BBIR-z is consistent withthe known poor affinity between biotin and monomeric avidin (Kd=10⁻⁴)(Green et al., 1973, Biochem. J. 133:687-700) High affinity binding ofavidin to biotin is achievable upon avidin dimerization (Kd=10⁻⁷) ortetramization (Kd=10⁻¹⁴) (Laitinen et al., 2001, J. Biol. Chem.276:8219-8224). Accordingly, only the dcAv.BBIR retains specificity andaffinity sufficient for immune-recognition, and was utilized for furtherassays. To determine the level of biotinylated antibody necessary totrigger BBIR activation, primary T cells transduced with dcAv.BBIR-z ordcAv.BBIR-28z were stimulated by different concentrations of immobilizedbiotinylated-IgG1 (Bio-IgG1). T cells expressing dcAv.BBIR-z ordcAv.BBIR-28z specifically react against immobilized biotinylated-IgG1at the ing level (FIG. 2D). Importantly, incorporation of the CD28co-stimulatory module into dcAv.BBIR-28z allows transduced cells tosecrete more IFNγ than dcAv-BBIR-z after immobilized biotin stimulation.

BBIR T cells are also effective in generating specific, but indirect,immune responses against immobilized protein antigens via intermediateinteraction with bound biotinylated antigen specific Abs or scFvs. BBIRcells are redirected and produce IFNγ in response to immobilizedmesothelin protein-antigen via engaging biotinylated anti-mesothelinspecific molecules, Bio-K1 Ab and P4 Biobody (Scholler et al., 2006, J.Immunol. Methods 317:132-143; Bergan et al., 2007, Cancer Lett.255:263-274), independently (FIG. 3A). Importantly, neither dcAv.BBIRnor control GFP transduced cells react against mesothelin protein whenleft unlabeled or painted with non-biotinylated K1 Ab or P4scFv,demonstrating the need for biotin recognition. Compared to BBIR-z,higher levels of IFNγ are observed in cultures of stimulateddcAv.BBIR-28z T cells, where CD28 co-stimulation is incorporated (FIG.3A). This is consistent with the notion that for robust activation, Tcells require two simultaneous signals: an antigen-specific signalprovided through TCR/CD3, and a secondary co-stimulatory signal via CD28co-receptor ligation (Salomon et al., 2001, Annu. Rev. Immunol.19:225-252; Koehler et al., 2007, Cancer Res. 67:2265-2273). Directstimulation through the TCR/CD3 alone commonly results in anergy, orantigen induced cell death, and may represent a problem for conventionalbispecific-antibodies. Although BBIRs also require an intermediatebiotinylated molecule for redirected antigen specificity, incorporationof a co-stimulatory domain into BBIR vectors successfully resolves thisissue.

The possibility of loading biotinylated antigen-specific molecules ontoBBIRs in order to arm them against selected antigens was tested. Flowcytometric analysis using biotin-APC or antimesothelin P4 Biobody forloading was performed (FIG. 3B). Neither mcAv nor dcAv.BBIR cells retainbiotinylated molecules on their surface after loading, indicating thatalthough the affinity of the dcAv.BBIR permits specificimmune-recognition of immobilized biotin, it is insufficient for stablebinding, and postulates the potential use of BBIRs for sequentialantigen targeting. Consistent with these results, dcAv.BBIR T cellsloaded with biotinylated molecules and then washed do not produce IFNγin response to specific antigen stimulation (FIG. 7).

An important issue concerning biotin-avidin based therapies is thepossible effect of soluble biotin on the ability of BBIRs to recognizemembrane-bound biotinylated-Abs, since biotin is present in human plasmain levels of 0.2-2 nM (Stratton et al., 2010, Am. J. Clin. Nutr.92:1399-1405) The influence of soluble biotin on BBIRs reactivity wasevaluated by measurement of IFNγ production against immobilized antigen(Biotinylated-IgG1, or mesothelin painted with Bio-K1 or P4 Biobody)Immobilized biotinylated-IgG1, as well as recombinant human mesothelin,painted with P4 Biobody activated dcAv.BBIR-28z T cells, even in thepresence of soluble biotin at the concentration 20 times higher thanphysiological, 40 nM (FIG. 3C). Notably, soluble biotin alone did notcause antigen-independent activation of BBIRs even at supraphysiologicallevels.

The effectiveness of BBIR modified T cells in generating specificimmuneresponses against TAAs expressed on the tumor cell surface wasexamined by culturing BBIRs with the human ovarian cancer cell line,A1847, painted with Bio-EpCAM Ab. In the co-culture with EpCAM-positiveA1847 cells, dcAv.BBIR-28z T cell activation was induced whenbiotinylated anti-EpCAM Ab is added in a dose-dependent fashion (FIG.3D). Moreover, a linear correlation existed between the levels ofattached biotinylated Ab, presented as specific MFI, and the level ofIFNγ secretion by BBIR, but not GFP, T cells (FIG. 3D). Specificrecognition and reactivity against A1847 was detectable when targetedagainst a single antigen using Bio-EpCAM Ab, even at 0.1 ng/mlconcentration. Consistent with enhanced effector function (FIGS. 2D and3A), increased T cell survival is observed in cultures ofantigen-stimulated dcAv.BBIR-28z T cells, where CD28 co-stimulation isincorporated, compared to BBIR-z (FIG. 8).

Whether the universality of the BBIR platform would allow BBIR-modifiedT cells to generate specific immune response against variable TAAsexpressed on the cancer cell surface was examined. BBIR T cells weretested for function against a panel of established cancer cell linesthat express varying cell surface antigens, including A1847(mesothelin⁺, folate binding protein/FRα⁺, EpCAM⁺); antigen-negativeAE17 mouse mesothelial cells non-modified or transduced to expresseither human mesothelin or human FRα (FIG. 9). Binding of biotinylatedAbs to mesothelin, FRα (Bio-MOV18) or EpCAM on the respective tumor cellsurface enabled specific immune-recognition of various tumor cells withnon-overlapping antigen expression in an MHC-independent manner andtriggers secretion of IFNγ by BBIR T cells (FIG. 4A). To furtherevaluate the flexibility of BBIR platform, BBIRs were tested todetermine if they could be sequentially redirected from one antigen toanother antigen of distinct specificity. GFP-transduced A1847 cells weremixed at a 1:1 ratio with the EpCAM-negative AE17/FRα⁺ cells and thenco-cultured with BBIR T cells. Here, BBIR T cell specificity can beredirected from first targeting EpCAM⁺ tumors (A1847/GFP), via Bio-EpCAMAb, to additionally targeting tumor cells expressing FRα but not EpCAM(AE17/FRα⁺), by secondarily adding a biotinylated Ab with FRαspecificity (Bio-Mov18) to the culture (FIG. 4B). Similar results wereobserved after redirecting BBIRs in the reverse sequence, targeting FRαfirst followed by EpCAM. These observations are consistent with theversatility of the BBIR platform.

The in vitro anti-cancer immune response of primary human T lymphocytesexpressing a conventional CAR was compared to those retargeted withdcAv.BBIR and biotinylated molecules. Antimesothelin P4-28z CAR⁺ T cellsstimulated with ovarian cancer cells expressing mesothelin (A1847)preferentially secreted high levels of Th1 cytokines including IFNγ,TNFα, and IL-2 upon tumor encounter (Lanitis et al., 2012, Mol. Ther.20:633-643). Here, T cells expressing conventional anti-mesothelinP4-28z CAR or dcAv.BBIR-28z redirected against mesothelin via Bio-K1(anti-mesothelin) Ab tumor cell labeling secrete Th1 cytokines atsimilar levels in co-cultures with A1847 (FIG. 5A). In line withprevious experiments (FIG. 4A), BBIR T cells exhibit immune-recognitionof A1847 cell line upon engaging biotinylated Abs specific to eitherhuman mesothelin or EpCAM on the cancer cell surface.

To interrogate antigen-specific cytolytic potential, dcAv-BBIR-28z Tcells were co-cultured with mesothelin⁺ EpCAM⁺ A1847 cancer cellspainted with biotinylated or non-biotinylated Abs specific to thesemolecules. In chromium release assays, BBIRs specifically lysed A1847cancer cells when painted with either Bio-K1 or Bio-EpCAM Abs but notnon-biotinylated counterparts (FIG. 5B). Thus, human T cells expressingdcAv.BBIR specifically can recognize various painted antigens and exertcytotoxic activity in vitro. Control GFP transduced cells exhibit nosubstantial cytotoxic activity against the same target cells, consistentwith the exclusion of the possibility of nonspecific lysis.

The antitumor efficacy of BBIR T cells was evaluated in a xenograftmodel of large, established human cancer ImmunodeficientNOD/SCID/IL-2Rγcnull (NSG) mice were inoculated s.c. with fireflyluciferase (fLuc) transfected EpCAM+ A1847 human ovarian cancer cells onthe flank and received intratumoral injections of BBIR T cells andbiotinylated Ab when tumors were ≧150 mm³ in size. Tumors progressedbeyond the time of T cell transfer in mice receiving injections of acontrol biotinylated antibody, Bio-IgG1, whereas tumor growth wassignificantly delayed in similarly treated mice receiving Bio-EpCAM Ab,consistent with the concept that the introduction of an antigen-specificbiotinylated antibody induces anti-tumor activity of BBIR T cells invivo (FIG. 6).

The BBIR platform represents a “universal immune receptor” approach forthe targeting of gene-modified T cells to diverse and multiple antigensvia interaction with antigen bound biotinylated molecules, eithersimultaneously or sequentially. Evidence is provided that BBIRexpressing T cells generate robust immune responses in vitro againstimmobilized or cell surface expressed mesothelin marked withbiotinylated anti-mesothelin P4scFv, indicating utility of the BBIRplatform in the screening of Ab and scFv candidates for possible UnivIRconstruction. Additionally, both BBIR with P4 Biobody and conventionalP4scFv-based CAR exhibit reactivity in vitro. Though validated withbiotinylated Ab and scFvs as antigen targeting molecules as describedherein, the platform may be broadened in application to includeligand/receptors, oligonucleotides, and/or single chain TCRs.Additionally, the binding partners themselves may be substituted forthose with higher affinity or more specific binding to the targetingmolecule. Theoretically, BBIR can redirect T cell function againstvirtually any antigen for which a specific targeting agent exists. Theproof-of-concept findings, coupled with recent results showing thatUnivIR redirected allogeneic T cells can be used as universal“off-the-shelf” effectors for cancer therapy, offer the potential tosubstantially broaden availability of highly personalized, potentredirected T cells to patients in future cancer immunotherapy trials.

Based on the disclosure presented herein, experiments can be designed toidentify the optimal antibody dose required for efficient tumor-labelingand BBIR recognition, as well as determining the impact of BBIR affinityto targets on the antitumor activity. The finding that preloading orarming of BBIR+ T cells with soluble biotinylated scFV (or biotin-APC)is not sufficient for immune recognition represents a possibleadvantageous feature of the BBIR system particularly given the presenceof natural biotin present in human plasma that might otherwise precludeantigen-independent activation of BBIRs. Further, cancer regression andhigh level T cell persistence has been observed in patients receivingautologous transfer of T cells engineered to express a xenogeneic TCR orCAR when combined with host lymphodepleting preconditioning(Kochenderfer et al., 2010, Blood 116:4099-4102; Porter et al., 2011, N.Engl. J. Med. 365:725-733; Johnson et al., 2006, J Immunol177:6584-6559). Importantly, chicken avidin is reported to have lowimmunogenic potential, though conflicting reports exist in theliterature (Samuel et al., 1996, J. Nucl. Med. 37:55-61; Paganelli etal., 1991, Cancer Res. 51:5960-5966).

The disclosures of each and every patent, patent application, andpublication cited herein are hereby incorporated herein by reference intheir entirety. While this invention has been disclosed with referenceto specific embodiments, it is apparent that other embodiments andvariations of this invention may be devised by others skilled in the artwithout departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. Theappended claims are intended to be construed to include all suchembodiments and equivalent variations.

What is claimed:
 1. An isolated nucleic acid sequence encoding auniversal immune receptor (UnivIR), wherein the UnivIR comprises anextracellular label binding domain, a transmembrane domain, a T cellreceptor signaling domain, wherein the label binding domain binds to alabeled antigen.
 2. The isolated nucleic acid sequence of claim 1,wherein the label binding domain comprises a biotin binding domain andwherein the biotin binding domain binds to a biotinylated antigen. 3.The isolated nucleic acid sequence of claim 2, wherein the biotinbinding domain comprises avidin, or a biotin binding fragment thereof.4. The isolated nucleic acid sequence of claim 1, wherein the labelbinding domain binds to a labeled antigen selected from the groupconsisting of a tumor antigen, a self-antigen, a viral antigen, and anycombination thereof.
 5. The isolated nucleic acid sequence of claim 1,wherein the UnivIR further comprises an intracellular domain of acostimulatory molecule.
 6. The isolated nucleic acid sequence of claim5, wherein the intracellular domain of a costimulatory molecule isselected from the group consisting of CD27, CD28, CD2, 4-1BB, OX40,CD30, CD40, PD-1, ICOS, lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1(LFA-1), CD7, LIGHT, NKG2C, B7-H3, a ligand that specifically binds withCD83, and any combination thereof.
 7. The isolated nucleic acid sequenceof claim 1, wherein the label binding domain binds to a label selectedfrom the group consisting of myc-tag, FLAG-tag, His-tag, HA-tag,fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC), dinitrophenol, peridinin chlorophyllprotein complex, green fluorescent protein, biotin, phycoerythrin (PE),histidine, streptavidin, avidin, horse radish peroxidase,palmitoylation, nitrosylation, alkalanine phosphatase, glucose oxidase,Glutathione S-transferase (GST), and maltose binding protein
 8. Theisolated nucleic acid sequence of claim 1, wherein the label bindingdomain binds to a label, wherein the label is selected from the groupconsisting of a peptide, oligonucleotide, small molecule, and ligand. 9.An isolated universal immune receptor (UnivIR) comprising anextracellular label binding domain, a transmembrane domain, a T cellreceptor signaling domain, wherein the label binding domain binds to alabeled antigen.
 10. The isolated UnivIR of claim 9, wherein the labelbinding domain comprises a biotin binding domain and wherein the biotinbinding domain binds to a biotinylated antigen.
 11. The isolated UnivIRof claim 10, wherein the biotin binding domain comprises avidin, or abiotin binding fragment thereof.
 12. The isolated UnivIR of claim 9,wherein the label binding domain binds to a labeled antigen selectedfrom the group consisting of a tumor antigen, a self-antigen, a viralantigen, and any combination thereof.
 13. The isolated UnivIR of claim9, wherein the UnivIR further comprises an intracellular domain of acostimulatory molecule.
 14. The isolated UnivIR of claim 13, wherein theintracellular domain of a costimulatory molecule selected from the groupconsisting of CD27, CD28, CD2, 4-1BB, OX40, CD30, CD40, PD-1, ICOS,lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1), CD7, LIGHT, NKG2C,B7-H3, a ligand that specifically binds with CD83, and any combinationthereof.
 15. The isolated UnivIR of claim 9, wherein the label bindingdomain binds to a label selected from the group consisting of myc-tag,FLAG-tag, His-tag, HA-tag, fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC),dinitrophenol, peridinin chlorophyll protein complex, green fluorescentprotein, biotin, phycoerythrin (PE), histidine, streptavidin, avidin,horse radish peroxidase, palmitoylation, nitrosylation, alkalaninephosphatase, glucose oxidase, Glutathione S-transferase (GST), andmaltose binding protein
 16. The isolated UnivIR of claim 9, wherein thelabel binding domain binds to a label, wherein the label is selectedfrom the group consisting of a peptide, oligonucleotide, small molecule,and ligand.
 17. A cell comprising a nucleic acid sequence of sequenceencoding a universal immune receptor (UnivIR), wherein the UnivIRcomprises an extracellular label binding domain, a transmembrane domain,a T cell receptor signaling domain, wherein the label binding domainbinds to a labeled antigen.
 18. The cell of claim 17, wherein the cellis selected from the group consisting of a T cell, a Natural Killer (NK)cell, a cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL), and a regulatory T cell.
 19. Thecell of claim 17, wherein the cell is activated when the label bindingdomain binds to its corresponding labeled antigen.
 20. A vectorcomprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding a universal immune receptor(UnivIR), wherein the UnivIR comprises an extracellular label bindingdomain, a transmembrane domain, a T cell receptor signaling domain,wherein the label binding domain binds to a labeled antigen.
 21. Amethod for stimulating a UnivIR-mediated immune response in a mammal,the method comprising administering to a mammal an effective amount of acell genetically modified to express a universal immune receptor(UnivIR), wherein the UnivIR comprises an extracellular label bindingdomain, a transmembrane domain, a T cell receptor signaling domain,wherein the label binding domain binds to a labeled antigen.
 22. Themethod of claim 21, wherein distinct antigens are targeted sequentiallyor simultaneously.
 23. The method of claim 21, wherein the label bindingdomain comprises a biotin binding domain and wherein the biotin bindingdomain binds to a biotinylated antigen.
 24. The method of claim 23,wherein the biotin binding domain comprises avidin, or a biotin bindingfragment thereof.
 25. The method of claim 21, wherein the label bindingdomain binds to a labeled antigen selected from the group consisting ofa tumor antigen, a self-antigen, a viral antigen, and any combinationthereof.
 26. The method of claim 21, wherein the UnivIR furthercomprises an intracellular domain of a costimulatory molecule.
 27. Themethod of claim 26, wherein the intracellular domain of a costimulatorymolecule selected from the group consisting of CD27, CD28, CD2, 4-1BB,OX40, CD30, CD40, PD-1, ICOS, lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1(LFA-1), CD7, LIGHT, NKG2C, B7-H3, a ligand that specifically binds withCD83, and any combination thereof.
 28. The method of claim 21, whereinthe label binding domain binds to a label selected from the groupconsisting of myc-tag, FLAG-tag, His-tag, HA-tag, fluoresceinisothiocyanate (FITC), dinitrophenol, peridinin chlorophyll proteincomplex, green fluorescent protein, biotin, phycoerythrin (PE),histidine, streptavidin, avidin, horse radish peroxidase,palmitoylation, nitrosylation, alkalanine phosphatase, glucose oxidase,Glutathione S-transferase (GST), and maltose binding protein.
 29. Themethod of claim 21, wherein the label binding domain binds to a label,wherein the label is selected from the group consisting of a peptide,oligonucleotide, small molecule, and ligand.
 30. The method of claim 21,wherein the cell is an autologous cell.
 31. The method of claim 30,wherein the cell is selected from the group consisting of a T cell, aNatural Killer (NK) cell, a cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL), and aregulatory T cell.
 32. The method of claim 21, wherein the methodfurther comprises administering an antigen binding composition to themammal, wherein the antigen binding composition comprises a label.